5 Defining Qualities of People Who Truly Embrace Life— and Love Every Moment of It!
P.S. The secret is mindset.:-)
Have you ever known someone who is always happy and exudes confidence and compassion, even when they are going through imperfect times?
Some source of inner resilience seems to keep them going during the rough times, and they remain upbeat no matter the circumstances.
Who wouldn’t want to be happy, despite the curve balls life throws our way — from hurricanes to pandemics?
These perpetually upbeat, “glass half full”, kind of people have certain qualities and characteristics that may explain their perpetual optimism.
From studying these people, let’s look at some characteristics that give them their optimistic qualities.
They Have a Sense of Gratitude and Take Pleasure in Small Things
People who live life to their fullest and embrace every minute know how to find joy in the small things they experience. They don’t lust after boats, fancy cars, or a membership in a golf club.
Instead, they find fulfillment in small pleasures like simple conversations with family and friends, a tasty meal, a hot cup of coffee, spending time with family, friends, and pets and walks in nature. To them, these things are more satisfying than an expensive vacation.
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
— Paulo Coelho
What can we take away from this? Happiness is a state of mind and not dependent on external circumstances. Not everyone can afford an expensive vacation to an exotic beach, but a walk in nature is more accessible. Hence, happiness and gratitude are as close as a trip out the front door.
How can you apply this to your own life? Make more time for simple pleasures. Get up 15 minutes early so you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee, watch the sun rise, or spend time with a family member or a pet. Take that morning walk as the sun is coming up!
They Find Humor in Even the Darkest Times
People who truly live life to the fullest and have an attitude of gratitude often thrive in even the darkest times. They laugh at themselves when they make a foolish mistake, and find something to be thankful for in the darkest of times.
Even during a crisis, they respond with hope and optimism. If they’re abandoned by others and feel alone, they maintain a sense of humor and don’t dwell on their problems.
Why are humor, positivity, and laughter so effective? Research shows laughter boosts brain chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, and hormones, like endorphins, that relieve pain.
Studies show that even non-spontaneous laughter, where you force yourself to smile and laugh when you don’t feel like it, eases stress and boosts optimism.
Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.
— Lord Byron
The next time you feel sorry for yourself, approach it from a unique perspective and look for the humor in the situation. Talk to funny people and watch lighthearted movies.
Smile even if you don’t feel like it or “fake it till you make it.” Practicing humor and expressing gratitude can become second nature with a little practice.
They are Always Looking Forward
People who truly live and love life know that the past is the past. They don’t let their negative experiences, failures, or traumatic events to dictate their present and future.
They strive to learn from past experiences but don’t dwell on them. They recognize the future is not totally in their control but they can take their best step forward with courage and positivity.
“Never look backwards or you’ll fall down the stairs.”
- Rudyard Kipling
How can you adopt this approach and enhance your own well-being? When you feel overwhelmed, stop, take a breath, and realize you can only do your best in the moment. Leave the past in the past. Don’t carry past hurts, slights, and negativity with you. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful emotions!
In your mind, place the negativity, resentments, and baggage that weighs you down in a big bag and drop it off a high bridge into the water and watch it sink to the bottom of the river.
They Know Each Day Is a Gift
People who live life to its fullest don’t take their circumstances and loved ones for granted. They recognize and appreciate they have much to be grateful for. To them, each day is a gift.
They know that when they focus on what’s wrong in their lives, they’ll miss the good things. They don’t take everyday blessings, like a warm home or safe place to sleep, for granted. When something good happens, they’re thankful and cherish it like a rare gem.
You can cultivate gratitude too! Keep a gratitude journal. What are you grateful for today? What are the positives in your life? Write down three things every morning when you wake up and remind yourself of those things throughout the day.
Doing this will make you more grateful and remind you to live life to the fullest.
They Aren’t Afraid of Change
People who don’t view change as the enemy enjoy life more. They’re not afraid of what life has in store for them because they know they’re strong enough to deal with obstacles.
When changes occur, these individuals welcome them and look forward to new opportunities because they know that change brings new adventures and opportunities.
When you reframe change as an adventure, not a challenge, it takes on new meaning and becomes something to embrace and explore.
The Bottom Line
Even if you’re not a naturally optimistic person who lives life to its fullest, you can change the way you look at problems and life — and the way you approach them. Hopefully, these tips will get you off to a great start.
References:
- PsychologyToday.com. “How Humor Can Uplift Your Spirits During Hard Times”
- “Positive expectations predict improved mental-health ….” 21 Jan. 2021, nature.com/articles/s41598–021–81446–7.
- “The Power of Positive Thinking | Johns Hopkins Medicine.” hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking.
- “Study Finds Unique Positive Mental Health Factors for Clergy.” 19 Apr. 2016, globalhealth.duke.edu/news/study-finds-unique-positive-mental-health-factors-clergy.
