Should something meet an untimely end, I am sad. But I also thank them for their loyal service for as long as they existed, and use their passing as an opportunity to bring another beautiful, dutiful item into service.

Now, having said this, I do not purchase $1000 spoons or $500 ceramic vases. If one is prepared to replace broken items one must be operating with one's own financial comfort zone. However, ask yourself: would you rather own an expensive item that you rarely enjoy or own something within your financial means that you enhances your life days on end?

I am offering, I suppose, a slightly different view of materialism. It's a different way of looking at objects in your world, one where you have a mutually beneficial relationship with them.

I know, you're thinking, "she's really gone off deep end this time." But honestly, this perspective encourages you to notice beauty surrounding you and conveniences you enjoy and be grateful for them. This in turn brings positive feelings into your life, what I call Material Contentment.

The next time you eat with a nice spoon or sit on a soft sofa, take a moment to realize how lucky you are to be guardian of such an object. Has it been loyal in service to you? Have you shown it respect and admiration in return?

Today is a great day to start talking to inanimate objects. Why not begin by saying "Thanks" to your favorite piece of silverware?

I thought to myself, "Ah ha! This is as close to a quiet, contemplative moment as I'm likely to get all day. I feel mostly content -- I have a few worries about my work day but nothing so demanding as to stop me from taking this moment to enjoy view nature is offering to me."

I continued watching as bright sunlight caught edges of some of clouds and not others. The scene changed from moment to moment in front of my eyes, never to be repeated in exactly same way again. White, Blue, Green. White feathery clouds, blue skies and green trees. It was beautiful.

While gazing at this scene, my thoughts shifted to what a warm and sunny day it was and how lucky I was to have such good weather for my trip into city. I couldn't have asked for a better day for walking between bus stations and T stops and my various meetings. Starting to feel gratitude for good things in day, I effortlessly let go of tension I had been holding about schedule of obligations laid out before me. I was able to sit back and literally, enjoy ride. I felt blessed by life’s humble riches.

Think of this article as permission to give your self a few much deserved breaks of Momentary Contentment this month. Why not notice world around you and revel in its wonders, call an old friend you haven't talked to in a while, or take a half an hour to do something you love?

Lucky you, these riches are yours for taking. Enjoy!