Connie Mason Michaelis| Special to The Capital-Journal

I remember vividly the day I spoke at a senior citizen luncheon with about 75 people in attendance. It was an enthusiastic group, and I gave a rousing presentation about successful aging.

I presented all my customary admonitions about staying active, socializing, staying curiousand trying new things. It was an excellent cheerleading session, and I could see lots of affirmative nods and smiles in the audience.

After it was over, many people came up to me to thank me and share their stories. Those are some of my most rewarding experiences. But this particular time, something unusual happened.

I saw a beautiful older woman approach from the back of the room. She had gorgeous wavy white hair and crystal blue eyes the kind you can see through. She smiled at me graciously, reached out, and we held hands for a few minutes. She thanked me for all of the encouragement but wanted me to know that at 85, she was completely content. She said if she never did another thing, it was just fine because she was utterly at peace.

Looking into her face, I knew it was the truth.

That was probably five years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday. She had reached an ultimate goal that I dont talk about or think about enough. She did not chastise me, but I knew what she meant. There was something more important than being able to age well in the external sense. She was talking about an inside job.

What kind of journey would we be on if our goal was inner peace, calmness, serenity, enlightenment and, yes, contentment. I need to be reminded of that daily.

The Buddhists say contentment is the greatest wealth. The apostle Paul says, I have learned to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

So from a spiritual point of view, contentment is the ultimate goal as we age. Still, it does not automatically come to us as we age. It is another thing that we pursue. Taking more time to meditate, practice mindfulness and engage in silence are ways to find contentment.

Contentment may be in the small things of life like a beautiful sunset, a good cup of coffeeor holding hands with a wise, white-haired Elder. Pearl Buck says, Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.

Find Connies book, Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging, at http://www.justnowoldenough.com.

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Contentment is the ultimate goal as we age, but it's not something that comes automatically - The Topeka Capital-Journal