“A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor — such is my idea of happiness.
Leo Tolstoy once wrote this in his work “Family Happiness.”
It’s funny, I’ve imagined a similar scenario, perhaps because of the stories I’ve read. I see myself being content with living a simple life, surrounded by my love of books and people.
Yet I still would like to be of service, and if that is best fulfilled through my involvement with my community, then it would feel purposeful.
I think life is at its best when you feel useful and provide value for others. The tricky part is finding the appropriate balance between that and the other responsibilities you’ve accepted.
But once you do, contentment will be just around the corner.