Satisfaction: What Is It and How Do I Get it?

When I look back at some of my old report cards from as long ago as fifth and sixth grade, I notice that there is a rating scale that ranges from poor to satisfactory, then to good, then to excellent. Satisfactory, in this context might be translated into just okay, getting by, or passable. I believe that satisfactory is more than just getting by.

What is satisfaction?

Satisfaction, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary is: “Fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this.” Satisfaction is about being content with one’s own situation.

So often in life, we want what someone else has or we wish for something just outside of our reach. If we could be satisfied with less and more appreciative of the good in our lives, we might realize how much precious time we spend trying to accumulate stuff that we really don’t need.

Taking stock in what we have already acquired and achieved should not be discounted. The drive for more is hard to resist and can interfere with the realization of our overall satisfaction if we let it.

How do we get it?

Achieving a sense of satisfaction with Parkinson’s varies from day to day. With illness, every day is unpredictable and all you can do is try to be your very best. Satisfaction comes when you have tried and done your best at the time of the performed act. Being alright in your own skin and giving it all that you’ve got brings satisfaction. Knowing that you’ve tried your best and done everything in your power is all that anyone, healthy or not, can do.

The demands and stipulations that we place on ourselves can restrict our thinking, our feelings, and our quality of life. Sometimes, placing too many constraints on ourselves can hold us back from attaining our full potential. Don’t be hard on yourself!