When someone laughs, they’re usually happy. When someone sighs, they might be stressed.
We’ve all got these basics down. However, maturing gracefully and becoming happier with age isn’t quite as straightforward.
Navigating the labyrinth of human emotions and behaviors can be tricky, but there’s a pattern to it.
People who seem to become happier as they grow older often exhibit these 8 key habits.
If you’re wondering how they do it, stick around, and we’ll delve right into it.
We’re about to take a closer look at the behaviors that embody authenticity and consistent growth as we age.
But mind you, it’s not all about longevity or anti-aging secrets; it’s about revealing the true potential within us at every stage of our lives.
Isn’t being genuinely happy the ultimate personal brand we all strive for?
1) Embracing change
Here’s the thing about life – it’s always changing.
New experiences, unexpected events, and evolving relationships are all part of the package.
Many people fear change, clinging on to familiarity and comfort. It’s only natural. After all, the unknown can be scary.
Those who seem to grow happier as they age have a different perspective.
They don’t just accept change; they embrace it.
For these folks, change isn’t a threat but an opportunity.
An opportunity to learn, to grow, and to experience something new.
And that’s why, despite life’s constant whirlwind of changes, they remain firmly rooted in their joy.
They don’t allow the fear of change to weigh them down.
Instead, they take it as an exciting challenge that adds spice to their lives.
2) Practicing gratitude
Let me share a personal story with you.
A few years ago, I found myself in a rut. It seemed like life was just a sequence of mundane tasks, and I was losing sight of the joy in my everyday experiences.
Then, a friend suggested I start a gratitude journal – write down three things I was thankful for each day.
Some days, the best I could do was “I’m grateful for my morning coffee”. But I stuck with it.
Over time, something shifted. The more I practiced gratitude, the more I started to notice the little things that brought me joy.
That warm cup of coffee became a moment of calm and peace before the chaos of the day.
The sound of rain on my window became a soothing lullaby at night.
This simple act of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of my life changed my perspective. I realized that even on the toughest days, there were things to be thankful for.
People who grow happier as they age have mastered this practice.
They cultivate an attitude of gratitude, acknowledging the good in their lives rather than focusing on what’s missing or what could be better.
3) Keeping the right company
Birds of a feather flock together, right? Well, it turns out that this old adage has more truth to it than you might think.
Research shows that our happiness levels are significantly influenced by the people we surround ourselves with.
People who grow happier as they age understand the importance of this.
They surround themselves with positive, uplifting individuals who inspire them to be their best selves. They actively seek out relationships that are enriching and add value to their lives.
Being around positive people can boost our own positivity. It’s a ripple effect of sorts, where one person’s happiness can spread to others in their circle.
The flip side is also true. Negative people can drain our energy and bring us down.
That’s why those who grow happier with age are selective about who they let into their lives.
They know that to protect their joy, they need to be mindful of the company they keep.
4) Prioritizing self-care
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves.
We get so caught up in meeting deadlines, fulfilling responsibilities, and taking care of others that we often neglect our own needs.
But those who grow happier with age understand the importance of self-care.
They know that their happiness depends on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
They ensure they get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.
They engage in activities that make them feel good about themselves and bring them joy.
They also understand the importance of mental and emotional self-care.
They take time out to relax, unwind and do things they love.
They aren’t afraid to say “no” when they need to, and they don’t feel guilty about setting boundaries.
Through self-care, they cultivate a strong sense of self-love and respect for themselves, leading to increased happiness as they age.
5) Embracing their uniqueness
Remember being a teenager? Back then, I felt the pressure to fit in, to conform to what was considered “normal”. It was all about blending in, not standing out.
But as I grew older, something shifted. I began to realize that my quirks, my idiosyncrasies, the things that made me “me” were not something to be ashamed of.
They were something to be celebrated.
People who grow happier with age have learned this too.
They’ve come to terms with their unique traits and qualities. They understand that their individuality is not a flaw but a strength.
Instead of trying to hide or change who they are, they embrace it. They celebrate their uniqueness and take pride in it.
They realize that authenticity isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about being true to oneself.
And by doing so, they find a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment.
6) Making peace with imperfections
Here’s a thought: perfection is overrated.
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of flawless lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of striving for perfection.
But people who grow happier with age have a different perspective.
Instead of striving for flawless, they strive for real. They understand that mistakes, failures, and imperfections are all part of being human.
They don’t let their mistakes define them; instead, they see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
They understand that failure isn’t the end of the road; it’s just a stepping stone on the journey to success.
By making peace with their imperfections, they free themselves from the shackles of unrealistic expectations and self-criticism. They allow themselves to be human, to be real, and to make mistakes.
And in doing so, they find a sense of contentment and happiness that no amount of ‘perfection’ can provide.
7) Living in the present
Life is a series of moments. But often, we’re so focused on the past or the future that we forget to truly live in the present.
People who grow happier with age have mastered the art of mindfulness.
They understand that the past is behind them and the future is uncertain. All they really have is the present moment.
They make it a point to fully engage in their current experiences.
They savor the taste of their morning coffee, the feel of a good book in their hands, or the sound of a loved one’s laughter.
They don’t let their worries about tomorrow or regrets from yesterday steal their joy today. They take each day as it comes, appreciating the beauty of each moment.
By living in the present, they cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, leading to increased happiness as they age.
8) Cultivating a positive mindset
At the core of all these behaviors, there’s one thing that stands out – a positive mindset.
People who become happier as they age understand the power of positive thinking.
They know that their mindset plays a significant role in their overall happiness.
They choose to focus on the good, even when faced with challenges.
They see obstacles as opportunities, and they find silver linings in difficult situations.
They believe in their ability to grow, learn, and overcome. They see themselves as capable and resilient, no matter what life throws at them.
And it’s this positive mindset that fuels their journey towards becoming happier as they age.
Reflecting on happiness
If you’ve made it this far, perhaps it’s become clear that the journey to growing happier with age is more about a shift in perspective than any grand, life-altering changes.
Because true happiness is not about the absence of problems.
It’s about our ability to deal with them, to learn from them, and to grow stronger as a result.
The people who become happier as they age have mastered this.
They embrace change, practice gratitude, surround themselves with positivity, prioritize self-care, celebrate their uniqueness, make peace with their imperfections, live in the present, and cultivate a positive mindset.
In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
Happiness is a choice we make every day. It’s a state of mind that we cultivate over time.
As you reflect on these behaviors, consider what steps you could take today to set yourself on the path to becoming happier as you age.
