Can you say, “I love my life?” If not, you can. You just need to know the right things to do. So, here are the rules of life to live by to be happier.
Do you find yourself frustrated and stressed out with your life? Do you wish we had a class in school that taught us all the rules to live by so that you can love your life and live it to its fullest? That would have been great, but most of us never had that class.
But we’ve all had ups and downs in our life. And that’s natural and normal. But how you deal with life will determine whether or not you love your life or hate it.
There are plenty of people who love their lives. It’s true! There are people everywhere who have no problem with the way they’re living their life. They’re enjoying every minute of it. Those people didn’t always feel this way, though.
But they did eventually learn how to love life. And you can too. [Read: All the amazing reasons why following your dreams is always worth it]
The importance of struggles in life
Everyone experiences hardships in their lives and needs to find a way through them. But people who aren’t happy with their life or can’t say they love it are usually those who don’t see struggles as a necessary life occurrence.
Having a hard time in life actually benefits you. It teaches you lessons, makes you stronger, and you learn how to get through a tough time in one piece. Sure, they really suck, but struggling is a necessary part of becoming a happy person who can say, I love my life!
Reasons why you should love life
We live in a very negative world, and because of this, many people just focus on their problems. But if you want to love your life, you can’t do that. Instead, you should focus on the reasons your life is good. [Read: 70 True secrets to happiness to have a happy life and enjoy everything you do]
Here are some thoughts to get you started.
1. You have people who love you
Love is the most beautiful thing in the world. So, if you have even just one person in the world who love you, then you are a very fortunate person.
As they say, money can’t buy the best things in life, and one of those is being loved by other people. So, you should really appreciate that you have that in your life. [Read: Unconditional love – what it is & isn’t, 37 signs you’ve felt it and steps to find it]
2. You are beautiful
Whether or not you look like a supermodel or you’re just an average person, everyone is beautiful in their own way. And beauty is not just about how you look either.
The real beauty in someone is in their heart and soul. You have to love yourself enough to see all the beauty that you have – because it is definitely there.
3. Because you love
Not only is it an amazing feeling to be loved by other people, but it’s also equally as beautiful to feel love for other people. When you have people that you love, you are very fortunate. [Read: 48 Heartfelt ways to prove you love someone and show them you really care]
There are a lot of people who don’t have anyone to love, so you should realize that this love is part of what makes your life awesome. Don’t take it for granted.
4. You can always learn something new
Life is a journey, and there is always something new to learn. It could just be by reading a book, watching a documentary, taking a class, or just listening to someone talk.
Learning something makes you a better person. Self-improvement makes you a happier, more well-rounded, better person. [Read: 5 Powerful steps to break out of your comfort zone]
5. You have the power to change lives
You have more power than you realize that you do. There is always the possibility of doing something nice for other people and helping them.
It could be something as simple as buying someone their fast food in the car behind you in a drive-through or just passing on your wisdom to a younger person. You can make other people better.
6. You enjoy the little things
You don’t need to be rich and famous to enjoy life. In fact, a lot of those people aren’t even that happy. And it’s probably because they don’t enjoy the little things. [Read: The little things in love that makes romance better]
But the little things are more important than the big things. Just having food on your table and a roof over your head is more than a lot of people in this world have. Don’t take anything for granted.
7. You have life events to look forward to
Life is a series of milestones, and all of them are exciting. Whether it’s graduating from school, getting a new job, getting married, having children, buying a house, or anything else, it’s all important.
Life will always give you events to look forward to. It also helps if you set goals so you can reach them and feel a great sense of accomplishment. [Read: 25 Must-know secrets to be successful in life and transform your future today]
8. The positive spin of life’s surprises
Life will always throw surprises at you. Some are amazing like meeting your soul mate, while others might not be good, like losing a job.
But even if something bad happens *like losing a job* you can always put a positive spin on it. Maybe losing that job will provide you the opportunity to find one you like better – and maybe even make more money.
Ways you can be someone who loves their life
There is no special miracle suddenly making your life better or making you love it. You actually have to do some work in order to be someone that can say they love their life, but the work is definitely worth it. [Read: 32 Secrets to be present and live in the moment when life is speeding past you]
If you’re struggling to find happiness in your life and you just don’t like where it’s going, you’ll benefit the most from this. These ways to be someone who is always saying, “I love my life,” will change you for the better.
1. The Golden Rule
This is not one of the new rules to live by. We all learned this in kindergarten, right?
If for some reason you don’t know what it is, this is it in a nutshell: do unto others as you would have done unto you. In other words, treat people the way you want to be treated. [Read: 12 steps to change your life and find inner happiness]
It’s amazing how many people don’t do that. But it’s not that difficult, people! Think of it this way – the better you treat others, the better they will treat you.
So, if nothing else, be nice and kind to other people so they will return the favor. Do it for them, and also do it for yourself.
2. Don’t take anything personally
This is a difficult one for most people. But it will make your life 1,000% easier! And yes, 1,000%…that was not a typo. We all think we’re the center of the universe, but we’re not. [Read: Why is everyone easily offended nowadays? The hard truth revealed]
Everyone else has their issues and problems, too. And sometimes we’re just in their line of fire. How people behave usually has very little to do with you, and everything to do with what kind of person they are.
3. What is…is
This is one of the rules of life that will also change your life. So many times, we mentally and emotionally fight against something that we can’t change. But guess what? It’s wasted energy.
If you can’t change it, then why worry about it or spend time griping about it? Accept it. What is, is. That’s what is. It’s not going to change, so stop wishing that it will. [Read: Loving someone you can’t have – 15 ways to accept unrequited love]
4. It’s only a problem if you think it’s a problem
A lot of people love to create mountains out of molehills. But even some seemingly bad situations in life can actually be to our benefit.
So, that cute guy or girl didn’t text you back after the first date? Not a problem. Time to move on and find someone who is courteous enough and kind enough to appreciate your company. Choose people who choose you.
5. There is no such thing as failure
We all go around with an intense fear of failing. But guess what? While we might label something as a failure, you can re-think it and look at it as a learning opportunity. [Read: Feeling like a failure? 23 truths to stop feeling defeated and find your way]
Your relationship ended? Well, don’t just cry about it. What did you learn, and what are you going to do differently in your next one?
You always need to look for the lessons in every supposed “failure.” This is one of the most important rules of life.
6. Stop trying to be perfect
There is no such thing as perfection!! Let’s repeat… there is no such thing as perfection. What is “perfect” to one person is not “perfect” to you. [Read: How to be happy in life and live life to the fullest]
Everything in life is subjective. Even if someone thinks that being the richest and best-looking person on the planet is being “perfect,” a lot of people would disagree.
7. Stop caring about what other people think
We all want people to like us and love us. We all want to be included and/or admired. But guess what? You can’t please everyone. You just can’t. Of course, you want to, but you can’t.
So, it’s important to be true to yourself instead. Other people’s opinions of you are none of your business. As long as you have a high opinion of yourself, that’s all that matters. [Read: How to stop giving a damn about what people think]
8. Don’t have expectations of other people
This is a really, really difficult one. Not having expectations doesn’t mean that you should tolerate bad behavior aimed your way. But guess what? You can’t change people. We all want to, but we can’t.
So, when you have expectations of other people’s behavior, then you will most surely be disappointed and frustrated. Instead, try to have NO expectations, and then you will never be let down.
9. It’s all about your viewpoint
You have heard of the “half glass empty or half full” debate, right? But think about it. How you view something really does become your reality. [Read: 45 Secrets to be more positive and fill your mind with positive emotions 24/7]
If you lost your job, you can complain about it. Or you can see it as an opportunity to go find a better one that you will like even more. So, always look at the positives in any situation.
10. Always take personal responsibility
For some reason, people have such a hard time doing this. It might be because they see it as defeat. They think that if they take responsibility, then they somehow lose the game. But guess what? Life is not a competition.
People really, really appreciate when you are emotionally mature enough to own up to your words and actions. [Read: Emotional maturity – 13 clues to know if someone has it]
So, give it a try. Every day. It’s definitely one of the rules of life that everyone should live up to.
11. Don’t try to change other people
We all want other people to behave the way we want them to. But guess what? They don’t. And any effort we make in trying to change them – no matter how subtle – just won’t work. It’s exhausting and frustrating, too.
A lot of people are guilty of this, but you are just wasting your time. So, choose to be around people you’re already compatible with, and accept the people for who they are – for better or for worse. [Read: Should I give up on him? 25 signs he won’t change or be a good fit]
12. Forgive and let go of resentment
There is a common misconception in the world that if you forgive someone for their wrongdoings, then you are condoning their actions. That could not be farther from the truth!
Forgiving is something you do for yourself, so you don’t have to carry around the negative energy anymore.
Free yourself from the burden of the heaviness of it all and forgive and move on. [Read: How to forgive someone – 15 positive ways to unburden your mind]
13. Don’t paddle upstream
Imagine that you are in a canoe on a river. Which way does it make more sense to go? Paddling upstream against the current? Or to float your boat downstream with the current?
Yeah, you know. Floating downstream where the energy is flowing.
That’s a great metaphor for life. If you feel like you are banging your head against a wall trying to make something – anything – work out, then just stop. Really, just stop. Stop and change directions. [Read: Positive vibes – 17 ways to welcome positive energy into your life]
Try to find out where the flow of energy is going in your life. Because that’s a much better direction to go, and much more rewarding.
14. Monitor your self-talk
Much of what we think is bad about our life begins and ends inside our own heads. Have you ever really listened to your thoughts and the words you speak?
You’d be surprised how much of it is negative. And that’s why you need to monitor your self-talk and change the thoughts that are holding you back. [Read: 25 memorable life lessons to perfect your life]
You really don’t have any power over much in life except your own thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
So, make your self-talk as positive as you can. It’s one of those rules of life that we’re never taught to do, but it can change your life.
15. Perception is reality
This is another one of the rules of life that most people just don’t get. What this means that is even if two people are looking at or experiencing the same thing, they will view it differently. [Read: How to show empathy and learn to understand someone else’s feelings]
But who is right? They can’t both be right, can they? Yes, they can!
In fact, their perception of any situation is THEIR reality. So, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s perspective, agree to disagree. Allow them the right to see it from their own viewpoint, and they should allow you to do the same.
16. Stop thinking like a victim
Yes, there are many things we can’t control in life. It rains, tornadoes happen, people get fired, partners cheat, and the list goes on. [Read: Playing victim – 13 signs and reasons why it makes your life way worse]
But, if you think you’re always a victim of your life circumstances, then you are taking away your own power.
There is always something you can do – some action to take, or some change in your thinking. Don’t give the outside world too much power over your life. The power lies within you.
17. Relationships are like plants
Everyone knows that if you don’t water a plant, it will die. But your relationships are no different than plants. [Read: 16 secrets to a perfectly happy relationship]
If you don’t put effort into your relationships *like watering a plant* then they will die. Do not ever take people for granted.
And don’t ever get lazy in your relationships. That is, unless you don’t want any more relationships. One of the great rules to live by.
18. Always be appreciative
You probably know a lot of people who have wonderful lives. They make a lot of money, they have family who loves them, and they don’t need anything. [Read: 43 Things to be grateful for you don’t appreciate enough in life]
Yet they still manage to find ways to bitch, moan, and complain about their life. And don’t you just want to smack them upside the head and tell them to open their eyes?
There’s always something to be grateful for. The air you breathe, the food on your table, clean water, a bed, people who love you, and your health are all “little things” that people forget to appreciate.
So, don’t be that person. Appreciation is one of the greatest rules of life. [Read: How to be grateful – 20 authentic ways to show gratitude and express it well]
19. Think before you speak
You’ve heard this from your mother before. But it’s so true. That saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is just not true. It’s not true. It’s a total lie.
Words have so much power. They have the power for good or for evil.
So, be mindful of the words you speak to other people – and to yourself. You only want to touch the world for good, and it starts with your words. [Read: The power of your words can make or break all your relationships]
20. Have empathy for others
The world needs more kindness. Don’t you agree? Our world seems to have gone mad, and so it’s up to us as individuals to have compassion for other people.
Try to see life from others’ points of view. Try to feel their pain and feel their joy.
If we were all capable of empathy, we might just have world peace. But unfortunately, we’re a long way off from that. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t practice empathy in your own life. [Read: How to develop empathy and master the art of growing a real heart]
21. Know that anything is possible
Really, it is. You’re probably rolling your eyes and disagreeing. But think about all the people who have defied the odds.
So many rich people grew up in the slums and made it out. So many people have healed themselves from diseases the doctors said were terminal.
Miracles really do happen, but you have to be open to them. You have to work toward your goals. [Read: How to smile more often – 6 baby steps to change your life forever]
And you have to have an open mind and open heart and believe that anything is possible.
22. Ditch the negative people
Who do you surround yourself with? Are you around people who smile a lot and build you up? Or are you always around people who complain and put you in a negative mindset?
You’d be surprised how much ditching all the negative people in your life truly changes your perspective on life. [Read: 12 ways to stop negative people from sapping your energy]
You are who you surround yourself with, so you need to be around those who have a positive attitude.
Be around others who can say, “I love my life,” and you will start to say that, too.
23. Ditch the negative attitude
Getting rid of negative people does nothing unless you’re willing to ditch your negative attitude along with them. [Read: Feeling forever alone? 13 steps to feel loved all over again]
The great thing about humans is we actually reshape the way our minds think simply by consciously deciding to always think positively. Give it a try every day.
24. Solve any problems
A lot of the reasons why people don’t enjoy their lives are simply because they have a lot of issues in them. They struggle in their relationship, with debt, and even in their jobs.
If you want to love your life, solve these problems one step at a time. You also have to realize struggles don’t make for a bad life. You can have a happy life that you love, even with problems. [Read: The 8 most common marital problems and ways to solve them]
25. Spend a lot of time with friends
If they’re positive friends, that is. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who support you and build you up is vital for a happy life that you’ll love.
These are the people bringing you joy and help you feel secure. Those are two very important aspects of being able to be someone who is always saying, “I love my life!”
26. Make goals and work toward them
People have to have goals to reach. We need to feel accomplished in life. Making goals is the first step to feeling this. [Read: The meaning of Yolo – 15 ways to live life to the fullest]
By making goals, you’re giving your life purpose and you’re reaching for your dreams at the same time. Those two things alone can make you start saying, “I love my life!”
27. Exercise regularly
Being fit and healthy changes your outlook on the world. Fit people are some of the most positive and fulfilled people out there.
Being healthy makes you feel good and when you feel good, you love your life. So hit the gym at least three days a week and make an effort to eat healthy foods. [Read: 26 Secrets to get motivated to work out and exercise your way to a better life]
28. Have a form of healthy relaxation
Everyone has their own way of unwinding after a long day. They read a book, go for a walk, meditate, and all sorts of different things.
Find a healthy outlet for your stress in order to truly love your life. Find something making you happy but also calms you down. Do it every single day before bed.
29. Volunteer somewhere
Helping others makes us feel better. It’s a proven fact, and volunteering is something that people who always say, “I love my life,” do regularly. [Read: 5 Ways volunteer work can help heal depression]
Going to a soup kitchen, volunteering to tutor children, or even donating money to the homeless helps you start to love your life again. It doesn’t take much for you to start feeling better about your life.
30. Write in a journal
We can’t always vent to our friends or they would get sick of talking to us. One thing to rid yourself of negative thoughts and feelings is to write them down in a journal.
Putting your thoughts down on paper actually helps alleviate those feelings, and it’ll clear your mind for positivity. This is a great way to start being able to say, “I love my life!” [Read: Don’t stay stuck: 16 strategies to get your shit together]
31. Let go of the past
Too many people hold onto the past and it affects their lives in a negative way. Let it go. Let go of everything that has happened that brings you down and start fresh if you want to love your life.
32. Work on personal development every day
Personal development is something successful people do daily. They find something to read or listen to that will teach them valuable life lessons.
You can listen to a number of different motivational audio books or just watch guest speakers on YouTube. The difference in taking 10 minutes to do this each day is remarkable. [Read: 13 happy things you need for a perfectly happy life]
33. Do something that makes you smile every single day
Doing something that makes you smile on a daily basis keeps you upbeat and happy to be alive. It kicks out negativity and boredom and makes you a more cheerful, fun-to-be-around kind of person!
34. Step away from the phone
Put down the phone, step away from social media, and be present in the moment!
We spend so much time staring at a tiny piece of plastic that it takes us so far away from the people sitting opposite us! [Read: Phubbing – what it is, 18 reasons why we phub, and ways to stop it ASAP]
It doesn’t matter if you talk constantly to a friend who lives three states away if the person who is with you every single day isn’t getting any of your attention. Seriously, step away from the phone.
35. Never go to sleep without solving an argument
Never go to bed angry or fall asleep in an argument. You never know if you’ll wake up, as depressing as that sounds.
If those last words you spoke were angry ones, how is the other person going to feel? Also, if you can sleep while you know a loved one is upset, that’s not a sign of a good person! [Read: The 9 golden rules to keep evolving into a better human]
36. Work to live, don’t live to work
Find a job you love and do it for love. Never allow it to take over your life to the point where it’s all work and no play.
The money you earn from your job should be used for life but also for enjoyment. Enjoy your downtime! [Read: How to go from exhausted to effortless in life]
37. Travel as much as your finances allow
Travel as much as you can. Seriously, travel as much as possible, but do not land yourself in debt as a result. The world is a wonderful place. It can be seen far cheaper than you might think.
38. Forget the timeline
Society should not be dictating when you do things in your life. Or whether you do them at all. We feel so much pressure to get married, have children, and settle down, but what if you don’t want that?
What if you haven’t done it by the time ‘they’ say you should have? Forget it all! Go with your flow! [Read: 12 things you do to make your life much worse]
39. Enjoy your food
We become so paranoid about eating certain foods, fearing weight gain. But food is delicious! Why deprive yourself?
As long as you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet, a treat now and then is allowed!
40. Stop living in the past or the future
One of the biggest happiness killers is to live your life in the past or to have your head completely in the future. In this case, you’ll be living with regret or fear. [Read: 11 Honest secrets to let go of the past, be happy, and look to the future]
Live in the here and now. Then, enjoy it! This moment is never going to come your way again, so make the most of it.
41. Love yourself
This is probably the most important one. That’s because everything really begins and ends with you. It really does. If you don’t love yourself, you can’t love others. If you can’t forgive yourself, then you can’t forgive others.
You can only give to others and put energy out into the world that you are capable of yourself. So, if you got overwhelmed by this long list of the rules of life, then start here. This is where all the magic begins.
[Read: 22 more life rules that’ll guarantee you’ll never be unhappy again]
Being someone who is always saying, “I love my life,” is everyone’s goal. We all want to be happy in life and with these steps, you can be.
