I’ve been reading lately about positive psychology and coaching and came across something I thought was quite interesting in helping to determine how satisfied with life I am. Seems there’s a correlation between the five following ingredients and one’s overall satisfaction with the life you’re leading.  Whaddyathink?

1. Capacity to love and be loved – the idea here is that relationships matter.  Most of all, who do you surround yourself with?  Do you have a close circle of friends or many acquaintances?  I look in my own mirror and see a small, tight circle.  This is something that gives me a connection and a joy for life.  It seems that once you reach adulthood it’s tougher to make new friends.  Sure, I pal around with my tennis buddies – and tennis has been that great connector.  Work is another place.  As an adult, I find that I need to have that common connection with someone to even start the relationship.  Not like riding my big wheel down the street and just looking for someone else to ride with, it’s a bit different as an adult. 
2. Curiosity. My mom used to say it killed the cat when I’d utter, “but why?”  Well, to live a life of connection and passion – curiosity is the soul that nurtures each of the nine lives of a cat.  The quest, or thirst, for more knowledge.  A new way to look at things.  Being open to possibilities – and not allowing oneself to “get stuck” can have an impact on the quality of life.
   
3. Zest for Life. This is the overall vigor you have.  Do you leap out of bed, full of energy and can’t wait to experience what the day is about to bring?  I don’t. I usually need a couple cups of coffee before I can jump and leap anywhere in the morning.  But, this doesn’t mean that I don’t have the enthusiasm for what the day brings.  And I’m not necessarily saying this is everyday – but most day, YES!  What’s the other choice, really?  If I truly get to choose, why wouldn’t I want to choose enthusiasm (more to come on this in Attitude!
4. Gratitude. A simple “thanks” for what’s been given.  Now Oprah made her Gratitude Journal quite popular a few years back – okay maybe 10!  What 5 things are you can you express gratitude for today?  (sunny day high of 70 degrees, no traffic on the way to work, a large skim latte with 2 Splendas).  By doing this regularly, I start to become even more intone with what’s happening around me.  Sometimes it starts small and other days – life altering events make the list.  Big or small, just acknowledge them all.
5. Hope. Simply put – is it half-full or half-empty? Each answer elicits a different response or mood.  I choose to be on the optimistic, future-forward side of things.  Why? Because I choose to be. Simple. The idea of having hope and looking forward gives me purpose and a sense to keep moving.  In a workshop I delivered yesterday, I heard one of the guys say, “Well, it’s not going to work why should I even give it a try?”  I was thankful I didn’t leap from my skin and scream “why not?” because the person sitting next to him said, “what’s the worse that can happen, it just may work. And if not, you’re not worse off, right?”  YES!

Which of these ingredients do you need more of to add the extra slice of satisfaction to your life?  Whaddyathink?