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What Makes Life Worth Living?
Author: Alyice Edrich
Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing:
the last of human freedoms...To choose one's attitude in any given
set of circumstances; to choose one's own way.
-- Viktor E. Frankl
Have you ever thought, “What makes my life worth living?” or “What could I do to better my life?” There isn’t a person on the face of this earth who hasn’t asked those very same questions at one point or another in their lives.
Yet, not many people have actually stopped long enough to ponder the answers.
If you’ve never slowed down long enough to think about your life stop whatever you are doing right now. Take just five minutes to ask yourself three questions:
- What makes me happy?
- What makes (or would make) my life worth living?
- What would make my life less chaotic and stressful?
Then quickly jot down the first thing that comes to mind for each question. Over the next few weeks spend some time contemplating your answers. Were they honest and truthful answers? If money, time, or talent wasn't an issue, would those answers still apply?
If not, it may be time to take a good hard look at your life.
Below are four areas of your life that can truly make a difference between feeling content and happy and feeling restless and yearning for something more.
Health and Fitness
Your health is a key element in feeling good about yourself and your life. If you don't like the way your body looks or if you find it difficult to engage in your favorite activities, your overall happiness will suffer.
Take time to care for your body each and every day. Make a conscious effort to:- Exercise for a minimum of thirty minutes per day.
- Take your vitamins and prescription medications.
- Choose healthier meals by cutting back on junk food, prepackaged foods, and fast food meals.
- Give yourself permission to indulge in your favorite dessert or meal on a weekly (or monthly) basis.
- Have your teeth cleaned every six months.
- See a doctor when you’re feeling under the weather.
Relationships
Replacing relationships with things on your “to do lists” can leave you feeling isolated, alone, and depressed. Make a commitment to nurture your relationships; it's a sure-fire way to keep the blues away.- Schedule dates with friends and family members just like you would a business meeting or school function.
- Opt for a monthly outing based upon your favorite activity or hobby.
- Start a weekly get-together. Think quilting group, book club, game night, or flag football team.
- Send a quick email. The next time someone pops into your head for no apparent reason, let them know you were thinking of them with a quick five minute email.
- Write a letter. Just because your relatives live hundreds of miles away is no excuse to stay in touch. The next time you're waiting in the doctor's office, pull out a pen and paper and update them on your life.
- Pick up the telephone. The next time you have something exciting to share, skip the texting and email and opt for a nice conversation.
Self-Pampering
Self-pampering takes place when you put aside your responsibilities and make room to do something just because it makes you feel good. Whether it's a half hour, or an hour, take time each day to unwind, relax, and treat yourself as the wonderful person you are.- Turn on the television and enjoy your favorite sitcom.
- Pick up a good book and read it for the simple pleasure it brings you.
- Close your eyes, sit back in your favorite chair, and listen to your favorite music.
- Opt for a nice bubble bath instead of a quick shower.
- Get your hair cut at a nice salon versus a cheap cut-and-go station.
- Create your own Garden of Eden in your backyard.
- Pick up that hobby you've been putting on the back burner.
- Dance because it makes you feel good and don't worry about who's watching.
Appreciation
In taking time to appreciate the little things in life, you get back a sense of who you are, what makes life worth living, and what brings you happiness. So the next time life feels like it's spinning out of control, take the time to slow down and appreciate the little things that make life worth living.- Dig out those old photos and cherish the memories you've created.
- Read old love letters and birthday cards, then say a blessing over the person's life.
- Watch an ant carry his own weight, then offer up thanks for your own health and strong bones.
- Pick your favorite flowers, fill a vase with water, and place them on your kitchen table.
- Grab a blanket, lay it out on the grass, lay on your back, and stare at the starry sky as you ponder the wonders of the universe.
- Sit on your back porch and watch cloud formations. Allow your imagination to soar as you guess the formations.
- The next time you hear your children laughing, stop what you are doing, close your eyes, and just relish in the beauty of their laughter.
- Block a half hour out of your day to do absolutely nothing but be alone with your thoughts.
Money, careers, status, and material things are nice amenities that help make life easier, but life will never be worth living based upon those things alone. So the next time you find yourself wondering if life is worth living, take a deep breath and ask yourself: How's my health? How are my relationships? How do I treat myself when nobody's around? and When was the last time I stopped long enough to smell the flowers?
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