It can be hard to judge your own quality of life.
There are days that are enjoyable and others that are depressing and empty.
But if I had to say overall, myself and many people I know would say our lives aren’t really that satisfying or enriching.
Here are some signs that your life (and mine) might be a bit more enriching than we realize.
Seeing this helps to realize what we have and identify places where we can improve.
1) You have close friends
If you have at least one close friend and hopefully more than one, then you’re doing better than many people.
Having friends is something we tend to take for granted, until we don’t have them anymore.
Friendship is one of life’s sweetest wines, and it just gets better with age.
When you have somebody you can confide in who appreciates you, you’ve hit life’s jackpot.
If you have close friends in your orbit then you are living a more enriching life than you think.
2) You love what you do
If you love the work you do, then you’re blessed.
It’s as simple as that.
If you don’t love what you do, or you find it just “OK” or tolerable, then it’s a matter of what you’re working for.
Are you looking after people you love and caring for your needs through work?
Are you saving up for a larger goal or to fund the life you’re living outside of work?
If you’re working for a reason bigger than just work then consider this a checkmark in the yes column.
If you dislike your work a lot and are only doing it out of necessity, this part needs to change.
3) You’re earning a living
Regardless of whether you like your work, how does it pay?
If you’re earning a sufficient living to pay all your expenses and have a bit left over then you have something to be proud of.
It’s not easy to make ends meet these days, and technology is advancing rapidly.
No matter what sector you’re in, the fact that you’re managing to earn a living is something you should value highly!
Your life is more enriching than you realize if you’re able to put food on the table.
4) You’re living a healthy lifestyle
Is your lifestyle overall healthy?
Think of the components of your diet, exercise, sleep, and attention to mental health as well.
How are these aspects of your life doing?
It’s important to take care of yourself and take charge over what you put into your body and what you do with it.
Respecting your physical and mental self and feeding it healthily is always a big benefit.
If you’re taking care of yourself, living in a healthy way, and caring for your body and mind then your life is more enriching than you think.
5) You’re taking care of those you love
Many of the best things in life are reciprocal.
But if you’re a parent, pet owner or in a position of responsibility at work, you may also be tasked with caring for others who need your help.
If you’re fulfilling your duties and looking after those you’re responsible for, you’re carrying out a vital role.
You are valuable in this world and your dedication makes it better for all of us.
Even better, your own discipline, heart and courage is refined and strengthened through the act of sacrifice and service to others.
6) You’re in a healthy relationship with yourself or someone else
There are a variety of ways to be in a healthy relationship.
Either you’re in a healthy relationship with somebody else or a healthy relationship with yourself.
Even better you might be in both!
It’s not much good to be in a seemingly great outer relationship but be insecure or unhappy with yourself…
But when you’re alone and you use that time to become happier and more integrated with yourself (including facing your shadow), it’s time well spent indeed…
7) You’re not seeking external validation but you are still motivated
If you’re motivated to go after your goals and get up each day, that’s something to be thankful for.
If you’ve found the balance between wanting to achieve a lot but not depending on it to be happy, you’re on the right path in life.
Seeking external validation is a surefire recipe for disappointment.
If you don’t get it you feel worse, and if you do then you’re dependent on it and build a false sense of self that’s not centered inside you.
If you’ve learned to put your center of power in yourself and go after your goals without being attached to outcome, your life is more enriching than you may think.
8) You’re thinking critically
No matter how frustrated you might be right now, if you’re thinking critically and thinking for yourself, none of this is in vain.
If you’re questioning, you’re growing.
If you’re in a position where you are examining old beliefs and assumptions and open to new ideas and perspectives, you’re at least ready for a more enriching life.
At the very least, this is a more enriching potential position to be in than you might think.
After all, it’s only those who are willing to leave the old ways behind that haven’t been working who are able to try the new.
This brings up the next point…
9) You’re moving and growing
You may not be fully established or sure what you want out of life.
I don’t know if any of us are!
After all, the only constant is change.
But if you’re moving, busy, and growing, then your life is enriching at the most fundamental level.
You’re challenging yourself and you’re not remaining in stasis.
You’re opening your arms to life’s experiences.
10) You challenge yourself
If you’re challenging yourself, then you’re on the right path.
Most of our biggest growth happens in our discomfort zone.
If your discomfort zone doesn’t scare you and you’re learning to turn trauma and pain into determination, you’re winning.
Your life may not be enjoyable right now.
But if you’ve gone from a spectator to a participant, you’re figuring out what many people miss for a lifetime.
Your life is enriching, because you’re now living it instead of it living you.
The bottom line
Count up the following and give yourself a point for each one which is true.
If you score more than five then your life is more enriching than you realize.
If you score five or below, there’s a lot more work to do!
