Soul Sustenance: Unsatisfied - Finding Contentment in a Discontented World

I recently had a chance to review the latest book by Ann C. Sullivan - Unsatisfied: Finding Contentment in a Discontented World.

Everyone's happy, right? Obviously we don't know that, but when we see great pictures on social media it's hard to remember that we're seeing a filtered view of life. This can lead to discontentment with our own lives, whether that's because our kids don't act as nicely, or cooking doesn't look as tasty, or we aren't doing as well juggling it all.

This book is a great way to break that cycle. It names reasons for the discontented feelings, like fear and comparison, and then changes it to hope, purpose, and fulfillment. Using a Christian lens for hope, the book reminds us that there's much more than pretty pictures to make us fulfilled. It's written with the voice of experience - Ann C Sullivan spoke about contentment for years, during which time she had to process her own depression and struggles to rethink what contentment really means. It's non-judgmental and helpful, whether you're in a deep funk or just looking for a way to be a little more satisfied with what you have.

I had a chance to interview her to learn more.

Why did you decide to write this book? 

I’ve been a speaker for years, and after dragging my feet a really long time, I finally got serious about writing. 

The first book I wrote was called Permission to Doubt (Kregel). I was encouraged to tackle this heavy topic as my agent thought it would be a great way to get my foot in the publishing door. He was right. I have a real passion for the skeptic, both in and out of the church. 

But Unsatisfied, my new book, was really the one I wanted to write first.

As a speaker, I’ve always loved tackling weighty issues with insight and humor because I believe people struggle much more with things than they’ll ever let on. 

Though, I’ve never fully understood the need for bravado, especially in the church. 

In the corporate world, I realize it’s a bit trickier. Competition can get intense. But that’s why I love to offer people safe space to be authentic and encouraged.  

What are factors that contribute to discontent? 

The spirit, body, mind connection.

There are so many aspects to our discontent. Loneliness or painful relationships. Disillusionment with people, careers and even God. Some of these disappointments are self-imposed, but others were foisted upon us by people who may have misled us, whether intentionally or unintentionally. 

The questions become, where are we finding our information? Who are we listening to and following? Again, both in and out of the church.

Some of our struggles are physical and may require a physician, as did my battle with panic attacks.

Some of us need a new plan because the old one isn’t working. We’re lacking both motivation and imagination. 

Some of us need to get connected. We’re too focused on ourselves. Investing in others can fulfill us in ways we could never imagine, especially when we are in those painful places. 

Some of us need a quiet moment before the Lord to ask Him what we’re missing.

How can people create their own definition of fulfillment? 

Defining contentment is intensely personal because everyone’s definition is different. It’s also hard to do because it involves self-reflection.

It may begin by asking ourselves, what would make us happy? Why? And what keeps us from it? 

I’m a huge fan of lists and writing things down. Taking some time to look at ourselves, our career goals, and our relationships, and then asking ourselves how we got from point A to point B is a great exercise. This allows us to create new ideas. Not just goals, but small steps that will propel us forward. Keeping the stakes low until we’ve hit our stride is both doable and encouraging. 

The entire process can help us define what contentment looks like for us. And as a speaker, that is exactly what I love helping people do.

Ann C. Sullivan is a celebrated author, international speaker, blogger, and freelance writer. Her articles have been included in Christianity Today and Relevant magazine. She graduated from Northern Illinois University where she studied education, history, and philosophy. Sullivan worked more than ten years coordinating women’s studies outside of Milwaukee before expanding her speaking to include the corporate world. She remains passionate about inspiring men and women in all areas of their lives. Read more at www.AnnCSullivan.com