Nirvana or Contentment?

Over the last few months, perhaps even a year, i realize this feeling of contentment within me. It's usually when watching my daughters or doing some sort of household task (cleaning the bathroom, stripping paint, you know). I realize that while these responsibilities are seen as burdensome by others, that i get a sense of peace that the activities are part of the larger harmony of life- i think it was said better by the person who said that life is best experienced in mundane tasks, or something to that effect.

Now, this feeling does not come without dread, dread that i have sold out my younger, passionate beliefs of being anti- the norm. It is not that black and white, but in spite of this i am goofily happy with my life as it is.

i wish that i could maintain this in my marriage as well. i am getting there, but some days it's very hard to accept less passion, less romance and less respect than what i believe a relationship should be. i know it's in her, but am becoming more and more afraid that it's not for me.