Life is Hard. But, You’re Doing Great!

I was scrolling on X one day, and for some reason, this hit me pretty hard. We often get so wrapped up in life and comparisons that we forget what doing well in life truly means versus that of a lavish and luxurious lifestyle. So here are 10 signs that you’re doing okay. Even if you don’t meet all 10, if you’re reading this email, and woke up breathing this morning, things could be much worse. Give yourself some grace.

Enjoy!

1. You Paid The Bills This Month

A majority of us are probably in some kind of debt. With prices and inflation on the rise, it’s almost impossible to afford things anymore, or keep a fully stocked savings account and enjoy life at the same time. But if you’re able to pay your bills each month, even if it’s just the minimum payments, you’re doing better than so many who are struggling around the world. You may not be out of debt, but you have a roof over your head and can afford water, power, and transportation. No matter what that looks like for you, or what you had to do to afford to get the bills paid, you paid them. That’s a win!

2. You’re Employed

The job market has been crazy the past few years. Many are unhappy with their jobs, but it’s important to remember to be thankful for the job you do have. Many people are without stable income at the moment. So the job that annoys you every day is at least keeping food in your mouth and allowing you to live the life you are used to living.

3. You’re Not Worried About Your Next Meal

We take for granted our access to meals. Even when we feel there’s absolutely nothing to eat and have to settle for ramen noodles or popcorn, there are people who have to dumpster dive for restaurant leftovers as their next meal.

4. You Have 1 or 2 Close Friends

This one is big for me. I always feel like I don’t have many friends to hang out with, and for some reason in these times, people are looked down upon for not having a ton of friends. People get depressed when they don’t have a ton of friends because they feel unwanted or like something is wrong with them. Truthfully though, all you need is one or two good people in your corner. That’s all that most people can genuinely handle having a relationship and connection with. Anything over that and you’re getting into the “Fake Friends” territory.

5. You’re Not The Same Person You Were A Year Ago

Believe it or not, you’ve changed. Whether for better or worse, change is growth. You’re supposed to change, grow, learn, and achieve in life. Personally, if I stay the same too long, I feel like I lose my purpose in life and then my mind gets a little weird on me. I need a purpose or mission to stay mentally sane in life.

6. You’ve Got Goals

Going off of 5, you’ve got to have something to live for. Something to strive for. Kind of a dark turn, but you always hear about how people retire and die soon after, or the elderly lose their spouse and die not long after. Yet you also hear about the 105 year old person who shows up at work every morning and refuses to retire because they love what they do. This is because we were created to strive for things and find joy in life. Usually that comes by way of goals and starting a journey to accomplish something significant! Goals are essential to a healthy sustainable life.

7. You’ve Experienced Real Hardships

You can’t have the good without the bad. Everyone hates hard times, but in those hard times, we learn valuable life lessons. Sometimes hard times give us lessons to carry in order to help others through their hard times and become a person to lean on. Sometimes you have to go through the bad to see the good or even become the good that someone else needs to see. Everything happens for a reason.

8. You Don’t Let Pride Get In The Way Of Asking For Help

Asking for help is difficult but it is so worth it once you reach the other side of it. As humans, we do a really good job of getting in our own way and holding ourselves back. This is an easy one to tick off the list and something you could start today if you’re not doing it already. One quote I’ve been trying to live by lately is, “Feel the fear and do it anyway”, meaning yeah it might suck but do it anyway, and afterward you’ll be glad you did.

9. You Know There’s More To Life Than Material Possessions

Money isn’t everything. Things aren’t everything. Most will agree that their favorite memories or parts of life are experiences with people they care for. Take more trips. Hang out with friends more. Call your mom. Call your dad. Call your family. Call your friends. Get offline and see the true world around you. See people face to face. Talk to people two feet in front of you. Life is for living!

10. You’ve Chosen Happiness On Your Terms

“You become what you think about” “You only see what you focus on seeing” “I became happy once I stopped trying to be happy”

The last quote is interesting because I feel like a lot of people try to become happy and think they’re doing the right thing when actually, people who try to become happy are really just focusing on how unhappy they are. And when you focus on unhappiness, that’s all you’ll see. And if that’s all you see and think about, then that’s all you’ll become is unhappy. It all ties together.

Just give yourself grace and live life. Do what you want to do, not what you feel you should do. The stress and anxiety come from trying to do something you don’t truly find interest in so just don’t do it. Save yourself the heartache!

Happiness is a journey so be sure to stop and smell the roses along your path.