Adrian Volenik
True happiness is something most of us strive for, right? I mean, the pursuit of happiness is even in the US Declaration of Independence, for Christ’s sake.
But there’s a quote from The Office that really made me think about this. It goes:
“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”
You have to admit that it’s pretty, pretty deep for a sitcom about paper company office workers in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Inspired by this quote, let’s see what things you already have that tell us you’ve achieved true happiness in life.
1) You’re in good health
“A healthy person has a thousand wishes, a sick person only one”
– (Proverb)
When I had the worst violent coughing fits that lasted day and night for two weeks, and I sprained a muscle on the right side of my torso (which made every cough extremely painful), I kept thinking of this quote.
I only had one wish, and one wish only in my mind:
To stop coughing and have a good night’s sleep. Everything else palled in comparison.
All my personal and work aspirations and dreams seemed meaningless. That’s why I put having good health in the first place of having true happiness in life.
Without it, there is no true happiness. You’re constantly reminded of your illness, and, more often than not, your world starts revolving around it.
When you’re in good health, you have the energy and vitality to embrace life’s adventures, take on new challenges, and savor every moment to the fullest.
You can also laugh and enjoy humor wholeheartedly, which is another sign of attaining real happiness.
2) Your life is full of laughter and humor
Finding humor in everyday situations, even the tough ones, is like finding a hidden gem in the chaos.
It’s that contagious laughter that spreads like wildfire, making even the dullest days feel a little brighter.
It’s those moments with friends, cracking jokes, and creating hilarious memories, that make life brighter.
So, if your life is filled with laughter and humor, you’ve found the golden ticket to happiness, and you have a pocketful of sunshine ready to brighten even the cloudiest of days.
But there’s no laughter without this:
3) You have meaningful relationships and are part of a community
Meaningful connections with family and friends are emotional safety nets that catch you when life throws challenges your way.
They’re the ones who lift you up when life tries to knock you down, and they make sure you’re never alone in the ups and downs.
They’re also responsible for many laughs and tears of happiness (and sadness).
Being part of a supportive community or social network is like having a second family. You have a group of people who share your interests, values, or experiences.
They’re the ones who share your passions, laugh at your jokes, and offer a helping hand when you need it most.
Within a community, you have a sense of belonging that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are.
For example, your neighbors and the people in your local area, groups on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, professional or work communities, hobbyists, enthusiasts, sports fans, and fellow athletes, these are all communities that make life richer and more meaningful.
4) You pursue your passions
When you pursue your passions, you’re igniting your inner fire. When you engage in them, time just slips away.
You wake up in the morning with a sense of excitement and purpose because you get to do what you love.
As you immerse yourself in what you love, you learn more about your strengths, your values, and what truly makes you tick.
For example, I wake up each morning with the thought of writing one to three helpful articles that day.
Although I sit alone in my home office and only occasionally get some feedback from tens of thousands of readers, the feedback and constructive criticism I do get pushes me to write better and more engaging articles.
Not every article is a banger, but the ones that are have the potential to help thousands of people.
This is my passion and something that lets me know I am in the good old days and I should enjoy every minute of it.
Think about your situation for a moment. Are you right now in the good old days? If not, why not, and how can you make them good again?
The following could be a good kick in the ass to get you going.
5) You love adventure and exploration
If you’ve achieved true happiness, chances are you love traveling and discovering new locations and experiences.
This broadens your horizons, exposes you to diverse cultures and perspectives, and results in a treasure trove of stories and memories.
When you immerse yourself in new surroundings, you gain a richer understanding of the world.
You start to appreciate the beauty in differences and the universal threads that bind humanity together.
Your quest for the unknown and your yearning for adventure is a direct path to happiness.
It’s not about the destinations; it’s about the journey. But you already know that.
Ultimately, the thrill of trying new things and wandering through unfamiliar streets results in a life truly lived, one that is teeming with joy, excitement, and color.
6) You’re financially stable
Financial stability doesn’t guarantee happiness, but it does give you peace of mind. If you don’t have to lose sleep over unpaid bills, unexpected expenses, or making ends meet, that peace of mind is invaluable.
When your financial worries are minimized, you’re free to direct your focus toward the things that truly matter to you.
It’s not about the pursuit of material wealth but the freedom that financial stability provides.
For instance, it can open the door to experiences that enrich your life, such as dream vacations, exploring new cultures, and creating lasting memories.
But what truly ties financial stability to achieving happiness is the capacity to help others.
What do I mean by that? When you’re not overwhelmed by financial stress, you can extend a helping hand to those in need.
Acts of kindness, charitable donations, volunteering, or assisting a friend or family member result in a profound sense of fulfillment.
7) You’re helping others
Helping others can easily create a ripple effect. When you make a positive impact on someone’s life, you not only bring joy to them but also experience a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose in yourself.
Think about it: that time you volunteered at the local shelter, the moment you comforted a friend in need, or even did something as simple as holding the door for a stranger; all of these build positive energy.
Helping others is an essential part of the path to true happiness because it connects you with the fundamental human need for kindness and support.
When you lift others up, you’re lifted as well. It’s one of life’s most straightforward yet profound secrets to lasting happiness.
8) You have a work-life balance
Striking a work-life balance means understanding that life is more than just a 9-to-5 job.
Picture this: it’s a sunny weekend morning, and instead of rushing off to work, you wake up with a smile because you know you have time for the things you love.
You can dive into your hobbies, whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing your favorite instrument.
You can savor breakfast with your family, enjoy quality moments, and be present in those precious hours that belong entirely to you.
Taking time for relaxation isn’t a self-indulgence. It’s a lifeline.
It’s an opportunity to hit the reset button and recharge your mind and body. It’s like finding an oasis in the midst of a desert of responsibilities.
9) You’re present in the moment
Mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment, isn’t a mere luxury; it’s a necessity in the pursuit of true happiness.
It’s a moment when you take a step back from the hectic pace of life to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
It’s about finding joy in the simple things, like a leisurely walk in the park or a heartfelt conversation with a friend.
For someone to achieve genuine happiness in life, they need to be able to find serenity within, even when the outside world is incredibly chaotic.
10) You love learning and growing as a person
When you commit to lifelong learning, you’re not only expanding your knowledge but also your capacity for empathy, understanding, and resilience.
You become more adaptable, better equipped to face life’s challenges, and more open to the beauty of the world around you.
You collect wisdom like Super Mario collects gold coins. In turn, you enrich your daily existence and bring yourself closer to the genuine happiness you seek.
How to achieve true happiness in life
If you haven’t yet, you can achieve true happiness in life by nurturing meaningful relationships, embracing personal growth, and finding joy in the present moment.
Plus, if you contribute to the well-being of others, all while staying true to your passions and purpose, your life will be something worth living.
