Are You Trying to Fill Deep Needs with Shallow Things?

Two weeks ago a reminder popped up in my email. It suggested that I might be interested in what I wrote in my online journal 10 years ago. Because I had made a mental note that journaling again would definitely be part of 2021, I opened the document with anticipation.

I was surprised . . . and then not at all surprised at what I found. The entry was dated January 1, 2011 and at that time I had inspiring and grand plans for my health, my spiritual life, my family relationships and so forth. It was almost word for word what I had determined would be part of 2021. . . a full decade later.

The New Year is a season of new beginnings and recommitment to the things that matter most. As I set my goals for 2021, I can’t help but think about how 2020 has changed me. The difficulty of last year stripped away the things that didn’t matter and helped me realize what is most important. This change in perspective makes me more determined than ever to set goals that will bring more contentment, purpose, and gratitude to my life for an overall better year. I hope the same for you.

When I was in my Marriage and Family Master\’s Program, I had a professor tell me: “You can never get enough of the things you don’t need because the things you don’t need can never satisfy you.” I love this because we have all been guilty of trying to fill deep needs with shallow things. No matter how much time and energy you dedicate to the trivial, you will never fill the void.

For me contentment is all about relationships. One of my deep needs is to connect in authentic ways, be real, and have meaningful relationships with others. This is definitely one of those things that brings me true satisfaction.

As you set your goals for 2021, be determined to eliminate the things that prevent you from living the life you really want. Start by asking yourself three questions:

What brings me contentment?

What activities and people help me feel like my life is where it needs to be?

Are my priorities and actions aligned?

Each day I strive to put my family relationships first. I have found I am more content as I move from a self-centered way of life to one of interdependence and connection with those who mean the most to me.

It’s a New Year. Let’s give it our best.

If you would like to learn more about this topic, we have a podcast episode: \”A New Vision for True Satisfaction\” on the Not by Chance Podcast found on Apple Podcast or Spotify.