What is satisfaction?

Satisfaction. The Rolling Stones couldn't get it--no matter how many times they tried. At least they sang that in a song, belting out a lot of frustration over the fact of the matter.

William Shakespeare, on the other hand, wrote in "The Merchant of Venice," as quoted by Portia in the play, "As long as I have a want, I have a reason for living. Satisfaction is death."

Powerful statements by both. Yet, they are conflicting, thus, making me wonder: What is this thing called satisfaction?

In the photo above, taken by my boyfriend last summer on a trip to a mountain village in Arizona called Greer, don't I have the look of satisfaction? That's exactly what I was feeling in that very moment. There we were, taking a break from a mountain bike ride. We'd been having the most difficult time going up hill. The altitude affecting our breathing, we were tired. And yet, there I stood, with a smile on my face.

The mountain temperatures were much cooler than it would have been in the dry summer heat of Phoenix back home. Here, we were staying at a luxury cabin with food spreads divvied out on all day long. Cookies. Cheeses. Cakes. Pies. Fruit. Candy. We could have whatever we wanted. And we had plenty of water to drink, or sodas if we preferred. If we wanted a cocktail or a burger, we could walk to the nearby bar & grill. It was peaceful in Greer, and we would see wildlife in the fields: deer, elk, ducks, raccoons. We even took our plant guides on hikes with us through the nearby alpine forest to see if we could identify the wildflowers along the way. It was a great trip, and I'd say we need and deserve more of the same.

But what about when you come back home from a trip like this. Where do you get satisfaction then? Are you always looking for it? Are you the Rolling Stones-like character, never finding it, always looking. Or are you the Shakespeare character, happy for the hunt?

These days, I feel like the Shakespeare character. I have much to do, and I'm always seeking the best way to create the work that needs to get done. But I'm happy for the opportunities. I do feel frustration at times. But my overall attitude is positive.

What does satisfaction in your life look like? Is it attainable?

Moving in the right direction

Can't you just feel it when things are going your way? Everything seems to fall into place without much more effort. Challenges seem to dissipate. You catch yourself walking around with a smile on your face. Life is good.

When you're in those moments, try not to question them.

Don't ask: why does this feel so right? Instead, say: thank goodness everything feels right.

Accept the blessing and go with it.

That's what I've been feeling all this week. Things do seem to be falling into place. It's taken a lot of work to get here. And I'm tired. But it's a good tired. It's a hard-earned kind of tired. My list isn't shrinking, but I'm checking things off.

It feels good. I accept that. I want that. I deserve that.

If you're feeling especially good right now about where you're at, know that you've earned it. Embrace that goodness and spread it around.

One of my fellow bloggers recently posted about paying it forward. She purchased a Starbucks coffee for the person behind her. It made her feel good. I've done something similar many times. And it does feel good. That good feeling stays with you. Your mind takes you back there sometimes, when you need to be reminded of your goodness. And sometimes we do need that reminder. Whatever it takes.

Just let yourself move in that direction. Let your Killer instincts take you where your heart needs to go. Trust your judgment. The minute we question ourselves is the minute we're probably starting to move off track. Off track is exactly what it says it is. And that's why I ask you to embrace the goodness and spread it around. That's moving in the right direction.

And if you have time, if the weather calls for it, if you're so moved, hop on a bike and ride. As with mine, it could be the ride of your life.

All my best,
Jackie