7 things people say when they’re genuinely happy in their life

True happiness is not a fleeting emotion, but a deep and enduring state of fulfillment and contentment that permeates every aspect of our lives.

It’s not about the constant pursuit of pleasure or the avoidance of pain, but about living in alignment with our values and finding meaning in our experiences.

Often, this sense of genuine happiness shines through in the words we use and the conversations we have. And while everyone’s journey towards happiness is unique, there are certain phrases that people often use when they’re truly content with their lives.

These phrases reflect a positive mindset, an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and a deep sense of gratitude. They indicate a person who has embraced their individuality, fostered authentic relationships, and found purpose in their endeavors.

Here are seven things people say when they’re genuinely happy in their life.

1) “I love what I do”

When people are genuinely happy in their life, they often find immense joy and fulfillment in their work, hobbies, and other pursuits. They see these not as obligations or burdens, but as opportunities to express their creativity, contribute to something meaningful, and engage in activities that align with their values.

This sense of passion often shines through in their conversations. They speak enthusiastically about what they do, sharing their experiences and insights with a genuine sense of pleasure. They are not merely going through the motions or striving for external rewards, but deeply engaged in the process itself.

Saying “I love what I do” is more than just an affirmation of enjoyment. It is a testament to their alignment with their inner values and passions. It shows that they have taken responsibility for their choices and are investing their time and energy in ways that bring them fulfillment.

But it’s important to remember that this phrase is not about boasting or trying to impress others. It’s a reflection of inner contentment and a deep sense of purpose, which are key components of genuine happiness.

2) “I’m grateful for…”

One of the most common phrases that echo from the lips of genuinely happy people is “I’m grateful for…”. Gratitude is a powerful practice, it shifts our focus from what’s lacking in our lives to the abundance that’s already present.

When people express gratitude, it’s a sign they are not just living in the moment, but they are also recognizing and appreciating the good in their lives. This could be simple things like a beautiful sunrise, a good meal, or deeper aspects like love and support from family and friends.

Adding a personal touch to this, I can attest to the transformative power of gratitude in my own life. In times of stress or adversity, reminding myself of the things I am grateful for has often been a beacon of positivity, helping to shift my perspective and foster resilience.

As Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and storyteller who has spent years exploring the concepts of vulnerability, courage, and empathy said:

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”

This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of finding happiness through gratitude.

3) “I’m comfortable being myself”

Genuine happiness often comes from embracing our authentic selves. When we stop trying to conform to societal expectations or trying to please others, we allow our true selves to shine through. This authenticity breeds a deep sense of contentment and peace with oneself, which is often expressed through the phrase, “I’m comfortable being myself”.

This isn’t about being complacent or resisting growth. On the contrary, it’s about acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, our passions and fears, and choosing to love ourselves regardless. It’s about standing firm in our individuality and making decisions that align with our values and aspirations.

For a deeper dive into this idea, I encourage you to watch my video where I explore why it’s important to give up on the idea of constantly being a “good person.” This belief can lead to internal criticism, judgment of others, and makes us easily manipulated. Letting go of this ideal fosters a more authentic, fulfilling life.

YouTube video

If you find these reflections helpful and want to join over 20,000 others exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel here.

4) “It’s okay to fail”

Genuine happiness doesn’t mean life is always smooth sailing. In fact, those who are truly content in their lives often have a unique perspective on failure. They understand that failure is not a dead-end, but a stepping stone towards growth and success. Hence, they often say, “It’s okay to fail”.

This perspective aligns with my belief that obstacles and setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of being discouraged by failure, genuinely happy people view it as feedback, an invitation to adapt, evolve and tap into their creative potential.

They understand that every challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility. It’s not about avoiding failure, but about learning from it, growing through it and turning it into an opportunity for self-improvement.

Being honest about failure can be raw and uncomfortable. But it is also liberating. It releases us from the fear of making mistakes and opens up new possibilities for innovation and progress. This is a crucial aspect of living life with authenticity and freedom.

5) “Money doesn’t define my worth”

Truly happy individuals often understand that financial wealth is not the ultimate indicator of their value or success. They say, “Money doesn’t define my worth”.

True prosperity, as I believe, is about aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change. It’s not just about accumulating wealth, but about cultivating a sense of purpose, creativity and ethical participation in the economy.

Genuinely happy people understand that while money is a necessary resource, it doesn’t necessarily equate to happiness or self-worth. They invest in experiences, relationships, and personal growth rather than just material possessions.

This honesty about money can be raw and even jarring in a society that often equates success with financial wealth. But it’s these individuals who understand that life’s true riches are found in the love we share, the experiences we have, and the positive impact we make – not just in the numbers on our bank statements.

If you’re interested in more thoughts around this topic, I invite you to watch my video exploring some worrying new age self-help trends that I believe are doing more harm than good. One key point of concern is the overemphasis on the law of attraction and materialism. I argue for a more grounded approach to personal growth that focuses on our shared struggles and connecting with those around us.

YouTube video

6) “I don’t have everything figured out”

A genuinely happy person often acknowledges, “I don’t have everything figured out”. This phrase speaks volumes about their understanding of life as a continuous journey of learning and growth.

Far from being a sign of weakness or confusion, it reflects an openness to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. It reveals a willingness to question, explore, and evolve. It suggests a resilience in the face of uncertainty and a readiness to adapt and change.

This aligns with my belief in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth. By acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities for learning. We make space for curiosity, creativity, and innovation. We become more resilient, adaptable, and capable of navigating the complexities of our ever-changing world.

In essence, accepting that we don’t have everything figured out is not just an admission of our limitations but a celebration of our potential for growth and discovery. It’s an invitation to embrace life’s uncertainties as opportunities for learning and growth.

7) “I choose to be happy”

The phrase, “I choose to be happy” is a powerful testament to the proactive approach genuinely happy people take towards their lives. It reflects the understanding that happiness is not something that merely happens to us, but something we actively cultivate through our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

This aligns with my belief that true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives. Instead of blaming external circumstances or other people for our problems, we must focus on what we can control – our own attitudes, actions, and responses. This is the path to personal freedom and resilience.

Choosing to be happy is about making a conscious decision to focus on the positive aspects of life, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. It’s about embracing the present moment with acceptance and gratitude. It’s about cultivating positive relationships, pursuing meaningful goals, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

This choice isn’t always easy. It requires effort, courage, and resilience. But by choosing happiness, we empower ourselves to shape our lives in ways that reflect our values, passions, and aspirations. We become active participants in our own well-being, rather than passive recipients of external circumstances.

In essence, saying “I choose to be happy” is a declaration of personal empowerment and a commitment to living life with authenticity, resilience, and joy. It’s a testament to the power of attitude and perspective in shaping our experiences and influencing our happiness.

Unveiling the happiness code

The complexities of human emotions and their expressions are deeply interwoven with our personal experiences, beliefs, and values.

One such intricate interplay is witnessed in the expressions of those who are genuinely happy in their lives. As we’ve explored, their phrases often reflect a deep sense of contentment, resilience, and a positive outlook towards life.

These phrases, such as “I love what I do”, “I’m comfortable being myself”, and “I choose to be happy” all paint a picture of individuals who have chosen to embrace life with all its ups and downs. They demonstrate how true happiness isn’t merely a state of mind but a conscious choice.

Understanding this can offer us profound insights into what it means to be genuinely happy. It prompts us to reflect on our own expressions, attitudes, and choices.

But perhaps the most important takeaway is the realization that genuine happiness is within our reach. It’s not an elusive destination but a journey of personal growth, self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful engagement with life.

As we continue to explore these themes in greater depth on my YouTube channel, I’d like to leave you with a question: What phrase would you use to describe your own happiness?

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Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. As the co-founder of Ideapod, The Vessel, and a director at Brown Brothers Media, Justin has spearheaded platforms that significantly contribute to personal and collective growth. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

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