No matter what the outside circumstance, contentment is always an inside job. It begins with accepting what is. When something happens that shocks or upsets you, it’s difficult because you wanted and expected it would be different. The effort to change what is, however, will be a losing battle. Rather, surrender to it. Breathe. Let go. From that point of peace, you can better choose how to respond. From that place of acceptance, you can recognize options not visible in your state of battle. No need to feel weak or defeated, the surrender is empowering, even satisfying. Embrace what is happening in the moment and contentment will naturally follow.