Jelena Dincic
A lot of people grow up thinking that they have to live a certain way.
But here’s the deal: Despite what your parents, teachers, and society think, there’s more than one way to live life and be happy.
Meeting other people’s expectations doesn’t guarantee happiness. Sometimes, it’s best to forge your own path.
If you feel like everyone is judging you for doing things differently or you feel pressure to change your life but there’s nothing you want to change, then you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s look at 10 signs you’re living a life you truly love, irrespective of what others think:
1) You wake up excited
Just because someone is successful and they seem to be living a great life on the outside, doesn’t mean they’re happy.
Maybe they became a doctor or lawyer to make their family happy instead of becoming a jazz pianist like they dreamt.
They have to force themselves out of bed each day because they’re not living the life they love.
But, what about you?
- Do you wake up each day happy to be alive?
- Are you excited to get out of bed and do your thing?
If you answered “yes”, if you decided to follow your dream and become a jazz pianist, then it sounds to me like you love your life.
2) You have a purpose
Trust me, it really doesn’t matter what other people think about your choices.
The only thing that matters is that you’re doing something you enjoy and that you’ve found your purpose in life.
Finding your purpose is a pretty big deal – it gives you something to get up for each morning; something to look forward to.
Now, it may be a little unconventional or different from how other people do things, but as long as what you’re doing aligns with your values and you’re staying true to yourself, you’re living a good life.
3) Your life has balance
One of the secrets to a happy life is finding balance.
I’m talking about finding time for your hobbies and interests outside of work – balancing your professional and personal lives.
Take me for example: Before I started working today, I took my dogs to the beach to enjoy some October sunshine!
I also think it’s important to find balance in your romantic relationship and not become codependent. That means remembering who you are outside of your relationship and being able to do things that don’t involve your partner.
Again, look at my example: In a couple of weeks I’ll be going to Paris to see my friend, and guess what – my significant other isn’t coming with me.
That’s right, he’s staying home with the dogs!
Simply put, if you’ve got a well-balanced life, it means you’ve got stuff figured out.
4) You prioritize healthy relationships
The people we spend our time with directly influence how we feel.
On the one hand, if you surround yourself with negative and toxic people (at work and in your private life) and who don’t really care about you, you’re not doing it right.
Such people will get you down and suck all the joy out of living.
On the other hand, if you surround yourself with positive, supportive, and loving people – people who care about you – you’re gonna feel pretty darn good.
Relationships are what it’s all about and if your relationships are a source of joy and fulfillment then you my friend are living a life you truly love.
5) You have a lot to be grateful for
- Do you have a gratitude journal?
- Do you go through all the things you’re grateful for at the end of each day?
Let me explain why I’m asking.
When you have something to be thankful for each day and when you can truly appreciate everything that you’ve been blessed with, it’s a sign you’re living a life you truly love.
Now, that doesn’t mean that each day is perfect and that you don’t face any difficulties. Sure you do, life has its ups and downs.
But when you love your life and you’re going through a hard time, you can avoid falling into an endless cycle of negative thoughts by focusing on the good stuff.
How does that sound?
6) You’ve got financial security
Let’s get one thing straight – money can’t buy happiness.
But while money isn’t everything, financial security is a pretty big deal.
- It means being able to live comfortably.
- It means not having to worry about where the next check is coming from.
- It means being able to go on vacation.
So, if you’re doing well – you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and money left over to pursue your interests – and you enjoy whatever it is that you do, you’re living a pretty good life!
7) You’ve got freedom and autonomy
Do you know how lucky you are to have the freedom and autonomy you do?
Not everyone has that.
Just think about it for a second.
In some countries, women can’t go anywhere or do anything without the permission of their husbands or fathers.
In other countries, not only is being gay a crime, but it’s punishable by death.
And in other countries still, your fate is sealed before you’re even born – just look at the caste system.
The point I’m trying to make is that if you can be yourself, make your own decisions, follow your dreams, and live a life that aligns with your values, you’re living a life you truly love.
8) You live for meaningful experiences
Life is just a series of different experiences, right?
Some are insignificant while others remain with you for the rest of your life.
If you’re constantly seeking out experiences that bring you joy, connection, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose, it’s another sign that you’re living a life you love.
Just remember, everyone’s idea of what constitutes a “meaningful experience” is different.
Your meaningful experiences could be unique, but that doesn’t make them any less worthwhile. Got it?
9) You find joy in the little things
When you live a life you truly love, you’re able to find joy and satisfaction in everyday moments and simple pleasures.
Sure, the big things – the Taylor Swift concert, the trip to Italy, the fancy new car – are great, but they’re not everything.
Who cares if what you enjoy is a little different?
Maybe you’re like me and happiness is as simple as taking a walk in nature, surrounded by trees, listening to the stream, watching birds fly by…
Keep finding joy in the little things.
10) You’ve found inner peace
Let’s take a moment to process just how important inner peace is.
Here’s the deal:
Inner peace is a state of calmness, regardless of external circumstances. It’s what most spiritual people seek.
It involves emotional stability, mindfulness, acceptance, self-compassion, and gratitude.
It’s about finding tranquillity in the present moment and being happy with the choices you’ve made.
The bottom line?
If you’ve found inner peace, then you’ve got something many people only dream about and that’s a surefire sign that you’re living your best life.
