9 signs you’ve had a pretty good life, even if it doesn’t always feel like it

Life can be a rollercoaster. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, moments of exhilaration and times of fear. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and lose sight of the bigger picture.

But sometimes, it’s important to pause and take stock. And when we do, we might realize that our life is actually pretty good, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

Today, let’s explore 9 indicators that show you that you have much more to celebrate in life than you may remember on a daily basis. 

1) A sense of resilience

Anyone’s life is filled with challenges. Living a good life is not about avoiding them, but rather how we respond to them. In particular, those who have had a good life possess an inner resilience.

This is the capacity to bounce back from adversity, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of hardship. Having resilience doesn’t mean you can always avoid stress or hardship, but you learn to manage and grow from these experiences.

Think back now to the tough times you’ve been through: maybe it’s a breakup or divorce, losing your job or home, or a big shift in your lifestyle.

Although this wasn’t necessarily a pleasant time, the fact that you’re still here and have moved forward in life is a huge testament to your inner strength. 

And that, in its essence, is a beautiful gift. Not everyone has the chance to develop this virtue. But now that you have, you know you can weather anything life throws your way from now on.

2) Existing relationships

One of the most profound signs of a good life lies in the relationships we have. Interactions with family, friends, and significant others give life its flavor and significance.

Throughout my journey, I’ve realized that these connections are not just about shared laughter, but also about the strength we draw from each other during tough times.

It’s having someone stand by your side through ups and downs, and getting to know who you truly are, warts and all – and STILL deciding to stick around.

The fact that you’ve had close relationships persist throughout the years means you’ve treated them well, and that you bring value to their life. They stick around voluntarily, after all!

We’re always our own harshest critic, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the mistakes we’ve made, and the wrong we’ve done others, even if unintentionally.

But take a look around you at all the kind souls who choose to share this journey with you, and think again. Because the bonds we share with others are our true achievements and real wealth.

3) Embracing your authentic self

Being comfortable in your own skin is a vital sign of a good life, and it often doesn’t come easy.

There’s a continuous pressure from society to conform, to fit into certain roles, or to aspire for an image of perfection.

However, those who’ve had a pretty good life have realized the importance of embracing their authentic self.

They understand that being different is not a flaw, but an asset. They accept their imperfections, celebrate their individuality, and don’t shy away from expressing their true self.

In my video “Why it’s important to give up on the idea of constantly being a ‘good person'”, I delve deeper into the idea of authenticity and why it’s crucial for a fulfilling life.

It explores how the pursuit of being a “good person” often leads to internal criticism, judgment of others, and can make us easily manipulated. Letting go of this ideal paves the way for a more authentic and satisfying life.

If this idea intrigues you, you can watch the video here.

And if you’re keen on exploring more about living life with purpose and freedom, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Join over 20,000 others who are part of this journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.

Click here to subscribe and open up a world of insightful content aimed at helping you live your best life.

4) Thriving despite obstacles

Life is not always a bed of roses. There are thorns along the way, and sometimes, they prick. Deeply. That’s where the resilience I spoke about earlier comes in. 

But what comes after these obstacles? They are never the end of our story – and after the rainbow comes sunshine. 

If you don’t feel like you’ve had a very good life, it might be because you’re hyper-focused on the setbacks you’ve had. And I don’t doubt that there were some – we all have them of course.

But now, it’s time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, with the peaks in between the valleys.

Just consider this: the fact that you’ve had setbacks, mistakes, and tough times means you’ve lived life fully and richly, without hesitation. You don’t stay holed up, trying nothing for fear of failure. You go for it, even if the outcome is uncertain, even if you might mess up.

And sure you do sometimes, but it’s just as important to acknowledge how that didn’t stop you – and that there are also many times that you rose above and succeeded. 

5) Financial freedom

Money is a tricky subject. It’s often associated with success and happiness, but the reality is much more complex.

True prosperity isn’t about accumulating wealth, but about aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change.

If you’ve managed to strike a balance between earning a living and living your life in alignment with your values, you’re definitely doing a lot of good in life.

This doesn’t mean you need to be wealthy. Financial freedom is about having the means to live comfortably and make choices that reflect your values.

I touch on this in my video “The Illusion of Happiness: Why Chasing It Makes You Miserable”, which discusses how true contentment comes from within, not from external achievements or possessions.

Once you watch it, you’ll have more clarity to answer this crucial question: are you living life driven by materialistic pursuits, or by passion?

Remember, prosperity is not just about wealth, but about purpose, creativity, and ethical participation in the economy.

6) Embracing solitude

In a world that constantly emphasizes the importance of social connections, it might seem odd to consider solitude as an indicator of a good life.

But the ability to enjoy your own company, and to find peace and contentment in solitude, is indeed a sign of a well-lived life.

Solitude doesn’t mean loneliness. It’s about enjoying moments of quiet, of introspection. It’s about being comfortable with your own thoughts, your own company. It’s about self-reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth.

If you can find joy in solitude, it shows that you’ve developed a strong relationship with yourself. This is fundamental to living authentically and staying true to who you are. You’re not seeking validation from external sources but finding it within yourself.

Learning to be alone without feeling lonely is a skill that enriches our lives in ways we often overlook. It allows us the space to reflect, recharge, and most importantly, to reconnect with ourselves.

7) You have a sense of purpose

A purpose in life is not something that everybody has. It is something that comes from deep within us and it guides our decisions and actions.

Having a sense of purpose means that you have found something that you are passionate about, something that gives your life meaning.

This sense of purpose could be anything – from your career to a hobby, a cause you are passionate about, or even the simple act of nurturing relationships.

If you have something in your life that you are excited about, that you look forward to, it’s a sign of a satisfying life.

Moreover, having a purpose is not just about personal fulfillment. It also impacts those around us.

When we live with purpose, we influence the world in our unique way. We contribute to the collective good, making the world a little better than it was before.

8) You’re comfortable with change

Change is the only constant in life. Yet, many of us resist it because it pushes us out of our comfort zones. However, if you’ve learned to not just accept but embrace change, it’s a sign of a good life.

Being comfortable with change means that you are adaptable and flexible. You understand that life is dynamic and nothing stays the same forever. This acceptance allows you to flow with life rather than resist it.

It shows your resilience and your ability to bounce back from adversity. More importantly, it indicates your willingness to grow and evolve, which is crucial for personal development and fulfillment.

9) You practice gratitude

Gratitude is often overlooked in our pursuit of happiness and success. However, if you’ve cultivated the habit of being grateful for what you have rather than lamenting what you don’t, then you’ve indeed had a pretty good life.

In fact, this habit isn’t so much a sign that you have lived a great life – as much as it is a habit that creates a good life for you. Because the more things you appreciate, the more you find to appreciate. A flower you ignore is just as beautiful as one you stop to admire. 

Your days, memories, and ultimately your life is made up of the things you give attention to. And by practicing gratitude, you are filling your life with beautiful moments that add up to one long, beautiful story. 

Sure, there are still sad times in between, but what’s important is that you never stop seeing the joy in the little things – a beautiful sunset, a good book, a loving pet, or a heartwarming meal. These are the things that make life worth living.

The journey of self-discovery

These signs are all indicators of a well-lived life. They are not an end in themselves, but guideposts along the path of personal growth and fulfillment.

Remember, it’s not about reaching a destination of perpetual happiness or achieving some arbitrary societal benchmark of success. It’s about the journey itself – the experiences we have, the challenges we overcome, and the person we become in the process.

As you navigate your journey, ask yourself: What signs am I seeing? How am I growing? What am I learning about myself?

Reflect on these signs, cherish them, and use them as catalysts for further growth.

If you wish to delve deeper into this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Join a community of 20,000 others who are on their own unique journeys towards living life with more purpose and freedom.

Click here to subscribe.

And as you reflect on these signs of a pretty good life, remember: Life is not happening to you. It’s happening for you.