A slightly tilted photo of one of the glass houses at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin
Contentment. Do you ever think about whether or not you are content? It is something I’ve thought about a lot over the years. These thoughts on contentment all first started while I was in the throes of really struggling with my strong-willed toddler. I attended a parenting course in the hopes of finding a magic solution to the challenges I was facing.
one of my favourite flowers… peony
Turns out the main discussion in this course was actually about contentment. When the teacher started talking about contentment I had too many “yes, I’m content, BUT…” thoughts in my head and more importantly, in my heart.
Gladiolus
I wasn’t “there” yet; that place where you find peace no matter what the circumstances are. It would take me quite a few more years to be able to feel contentment.
National Botanic Gardens
My life has been so full and I just feel so fortunate, even through the many ups and downs.
Iris
Recently I was lucky enough to steal away for an hour to the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin. (http://www.botanicgardens.ie) It was a perfect afternoon for a relaxed stroll through the gardens.
water lily
The weather was amazing; warm but not hot, sunny but not too sunny to bleach out photographs!
statue in the gardens
I love this statue.
Their faces sure look content to me!
unusual daisy-looking flower
It was just me and my camera, and we had a ball together!
inside a glass house
I was following two elderly ladies on part of my walk. Not in a stalking kind of way, but simply because I entered the garden behind them. I loved their conversation about the different flowers and where they source their own flowers, and the new varieties! O.K., maybe I was eavesdropping a little bit! 🙂
interesting color combination with this bearded iris
I was enjoying my time of peace in such a gorgeous garden. That is when a wave of complete contentment came over me. I even sent my husband a text about it!
These iris remind me of pretty birds flying together…
I was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing.
Lamb’s ear: these colours and textures remind me of winter.
I know I’ve said it before, but I have the most amazing people in my life. I actually had a motto for a while: “People First”. I think at the time I was struggling with some issues, and the clarity came when I started saying “people first” to myself. So simple, but so important.
National Botanic Gardens
I’m happy with the decisions I’ve made over the years, especially with regards to being a stay-at-home mom, working from home, and finally working outside of the home. I’ve done it all, and I have enjoyed it all. I’m not saying it was a piece of cake, but it was all worth it.
heron by the water
heron
Life is still full of challenges but along the way I’ve managed to find my inner peace, my contentment. What a huge difference that makes!
geranium
geranium
Being content doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying to improve myself, or work with less effort in the many projects I’m involved in. Not at all.
foxgloves
foxgloves in front of fern sculpture
fern sculpture
It does mean I have a much better attitude about everything!
from the rose garden
I hope you’ve found your contentment, too.
In peace,
Dana
Mom in the Garden 