15 Signs You're Doing Great In Life — Even If You Don't Feel Like It
When I ask therapy clients what they love about themselves, it's often hard for them to answer.
Anna Alexes | Canva If I were to ask my therapy clients three things they hate about themselves, the question would be easy to answer. When I ask them to tell me three things they love about themselves, they often sit there in silence. The truth is, most people are doing great in life and don't fully realize it!
Why do we struggle so much with loving themselves? We are human, we are not perfect, and we all make mistakes. So, it's time to stop hating yourself and realize you're already doing incredibly well in life, even if you don't believe it to be true.
Here are 15 signs you're doing great in life, even if you don't feel like it
1. You choose yourself
Even if it upsets others, this means setting better boundaries with friends or even your boss. This helps you sleep better and feel better about yourself.
It's easy to put ourselves last. Many things get in the way, like work or family. Start to put yourself first on the list. Indeed, we can't take care of anyone else unless we take care of ourselves.
2. You give yourself a permission slip to mess up
Allow yourself to make mistakes. No one is perfect. We're human, and we all make mistakes.
This is like giving yourself a pass, just like you would to a friend or family member. It's easy to give others a permission slip but not ourselves. Stop putting the expectation of being perfect on yourself.
3. You allow yourself to dream
Remember when you were a child and all the dreams you had back then? What happened to them? Don't focus on whether or not they come true, just allow them to happen. This will do wonders for your emotional state.
Cast Of Thousands via Shutterstock
4. You've ended all your toxic relationships
Don't stay with anyone who makes you feel bad or hurts you. A study in the Journal of Family Violence examines how this is harmful to your health. There are a lot of really good people out there who can't wait to meet you.
5. You don't beat yourself up with negative self-talk
This is something we all have done, and it's a waste of time. We tell ourselves things that aren't true. They could be things that you've heard growing up or in a prior relationship.
Replace each negative thought with a positive thought. It can be as simple as "Today will be a fresh start!"
6. You take time to calm your mind every day
Another one of those simple things that many people think they don't have time for. Five minutes of deep breathing or meditation can do wonders for the brain and the body, as evidenced in a meta-analysis published by the Journal of Psychosomatic Research. You are worth at least five minutes.
7. You let go of the past
Your parents aren't perfect either, so stop blaming them for current issues. This is a great time to start practicing gratitude. What do you appreciate about yourself and your parents? Write a list and keep it close by. This will help when you are feeling down.
8. You allow yourself to be human
Nobody is happy all the time, and a real friend doesn't expect you to be happy all the time. We feel both good and bad emotions, and that is alright. Allow yourself to be human.
9. You enjoy having fun
Do the things that light your fire. A report in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine shows that having fun is good for your health. Make it a priority. Make sure to plan time to have fun with the people who treat you right and that you most enjoy being with.
Pedro Ignacio via Shutterstock
10. You're always learning
You're doing well in life if you have a constant thirst for knowledge and personal growth. Seek out new experiences and information while you learn to love all the parts of yourself. That could be by reading books, having stimulating conversations, or expanding your horizons.
11. You have clean water, food, clothes, and a roof over your head
Having access to necessities is a fundamental indicator your life is going well. Having clean water to drink, nutritious food to eat, clothes to wear, and a safe roof over your head means you have security and stability.
12. You continue to dream
You're thriving in life if you still can dream and imagine a future filled with possibilities, no matter your age. You remain optimistic, aspire to new goals, and feel motivated to move forward.
13. You have strong friendships
Having strong, meaningful connections with others means you are surrounded by deep and supportive friendships. You're doing great in life when you have nurtured and maintained relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual support.
14. You allow yourself to forgive
Part of your growth journey is learning to forgive yourself, and it shows immense emotional maturity. When you let go of resentment or past hurts, you're freeing yourself from negativity. If you can fully forgive, you demonstrate a willingness to learn from the past, as outlined by a study in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology.
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A via Shutterstock
15. You never stop believing in yourself
Don't give up on you. Don't let others' opinions of you bring you down. Remember, it's only their opinion, and that can always change. Start every day with a positive affirmation and focus on it during the day, especially when that critical voice pops inside your head.
If you're doing even one of these already, you're on the right track. If you aren't, that's alright. It's never too late to start.
Lianne Avila is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a practice in San Mateo, CA, and is the founder of Lessons for Love. Her work has been featured in Psych Central, BRIDES, and Prevention.