This post was written by Cyndi Staudt, author of Princess in Progress and founder of Walking the Walk Ministries. Visit walkingthewalkministries.com for more information.
As a single woman, I’m often asked if I feel lonely or wish I were dating or married. While it may be difficult for some to understand, I am genuinely content with my life. The truth is, I’ve never felt like my life was missing something just because I don’t have a partner. I love the freedom to pursue my passions, invest in friendships, and dedicate time to causes close to my heart. My singleness has been a gift! It’s a season of freedom, growth, and deep connection with God.
Now that doesn’t mean it is always easy.
Being solely responsible for bills and expenses, maintaining a home, handling car repairs and maintenance, grocery shopping, and meal preparation… it’s a lot.
I’m often asked why I work so much or how I manage such a packed schedule. Sometimes it’s not what I would choose, but it’s what I have to do. On these days it feels overwhelming—physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve pushed through working while sick, simply because I couldn’t afford to take a day off. There are mornings when the weight of it all makes me want to stay under the covers, avoiding the grind altogether.
But God reminds me again and again I’m not alone.
In those moments of overwhelm, God meets me right where I am. He reminds me that even in the struggle, his goodness surrounds me.
Instead of letting the weight of responsibility steal my joy, I choose to focus on gratitude. I pull out my journal and begin listing the blessings in my life:
- The projects I am passionate about, like supporting women’s faith in all stages of life or helping survivors of human trafficking find hope
- The adventures I’ve embarked on, like mission trips across the world or cruises with girlfriends
- The the peace I feel about being obedient to how God has invited me to serve his kingdom
I list things about this season of life I am grateful for:
- The flexibility in my schedule to readily say “yes!” without obligation or obstacle
- The opportunity to serve in ways I wouldn’t be able to otherwise
- The way God has provided for me time and again, both a gift and a miracle
As I write and reflect, I realize the ways gratitude reinforces my contentment. It diminishes my overwhelm, anxiety, and perceived lack. I don’t feel incomplete because I am single; in fact, I feel fulfilled and purposeful regardless of my relationship status! Gratitude helps me recognize that contentment isn’t about meeting societal expectations but embracing the life God has given me, both the beautiful and the challenging. By focusing on what I have rather than what I don’t or what others think I should have, I have found deeper joy.
Gratitude has become a daily practice that anchors me, reminding me that my worth and happiness are determined by my identity in Christ and God’s abundant life.
You can experience this contentment, too.
Gratitude is a powerful choice. It has the ability to transform our perspective, even in the most challenging situations. While anxiety, disappointment, or frustration may press against our hearts, gratitude shifts our focus from what is wrong to what is right, reminding us of God’s faithfulness.
Diving Deeper
Take Paul, for example. He wrote many of his letters when he was imprisoned. Yet his words overflowed with thanksgiving! How could Paul express gratitude in such bleak circumstances? Because thankfulness wasn’t tied to his situation but to his Savior. Paul understood that gratitude isn’t about ignoring life’s struggles. Oh no, that would be denying the reality that God is working in and redeeming! Instead Paul recognized God’s goodness even in the midst of his seemingly hopeless situation.
This is the not-so-secret recipe for contentment! Paul writes in Philippians 4:12-13, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Gratitude and contentment go hand in hand, and both are focused on God. Gratitude says, “I see God’s blessings in my life,” while contentment adds, “I trust that what God has given me is enough.”
Our culture often pushes us to chase more—more success, more possessions, more experiences. But gratitude slows us down, teaching us to savor what we already have. It reminds us that true joy isn’t found in acquiring more but in resting in the sufficiency of Christ. It isn’t just a feeling; it’s an intentional act of trust. With gratitude, we defiantly declare against our culture, “God, I may not understand what’s happening, but I trust You are good. I see Your hand at work, even here.”
Always Growing
The more I practice gratitude, the more I notice my perspective shifting. I realize that contentment isn’t about having all the answers or a perfectly mapped-out future. It’s about trusting that God is already at work in my story and opening my eyes to the beauty of the current chapter.
Gratitude reminds me that God hasn’t forgotten me. Instead, he is faithfully leading me, one step at a time. My contentment isn’t tied to my circumstances. It’s rooted in gratitude for the life God has given me and trusting in his perfect plan—even when I can’t yet see the full picture. And a beautiful byproduct of gratitude is peace. Have you ever prayed for peace that surpasses all understanding? How beautiful is it that gratitude and contentment can lead us to peace!
By the grace of God, this gratitude, contentment, and peace are not in short supply. He is the giver of all good things, and he’s got plenty of these to spare! As you may be tempted to dwell on something difficult in your life, ask God to show you the blessings of that situation. Like Paul rooted in the strength of Christ, courageously write down three things you can thank God for in the midst of your struggle.
As you practice gratitude, watch how it transforms your feelings toward contentment and leads you to peace.
For more journaling prompts, connect with Cyndi at instagram.com/walkingthewalkministries. For more insights on identity, read Princess in Progress or visit walkingthewalkministries.com.
