There’s a clear distinction between merely existing and truly living.
Living vibrantly isn’t about how many years you’ve got under your belt; it’s about the spark in your eyes, the passion in your actions, and your engagement with life.
Those who radiate this energy often live by certain principles that keep them fired up and fully present in every moment.
The following are eight principles that vibrant, engaged people live by. Adopting these could be your stepping stone to a more fulfilling life.
Doesn’t that sound interesting? Well, let’s dive right in!
1) Embrace positivity
One of the key principles vibrant people live by is embracing positivity.
It’s not about ignoring life’s challenges or painting a rosy picture of everything. It’s about choosing to see the silver lining in every cloud, and focusing on solutions rather than problems.
Positivity promotes resilience, sparks joy and fosters an infectious energy that can light up any room. It’s like a magnet that draws people towards you and leaves an uplifting impact on them.
Consider this: Have you ever noticed how some people seem to radiate positive vibes, and how being around them makes you feel good too? That’s the power of positivity at work!
To stay vibrant and engaged in life, start nurturing a positive outlook. Make it a habit to find something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder.
Remember, it’s not about faking positivity; it’s about genuinely finding the good in life. And once you start doing this, you’ll find that life has a way of reflecting back the same energy you put out.
2) Stay curious
From my personal experience, staying curious has been a game changer.
I remember when I was a child, I had this insatiable curiosity about the world. I was always asking questions, always eager to learn. As I grew older, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, this curiosity started to fade.
But then, one day, I met an elderly gentleman in a park. In our conversation, I was struck by his zest for life. He was 80 but had the enthusiasm of an 8-year-old. When I asked him his secret, he simply said, “Never let your curiosity die.”
That conversation changed my perspective. I started embracing curiosity again. Whether it’s learning a new language or exploring a new place or just trying a new recipe – my life is filled with new experiences and it keeps me engaged and vibrant.
Staying curious allows us to continuously learn and grow, to challenge ourselves and step out of our comfort zones. It keeps life exciting and fulfilling. So, remind yourself every day to keep that child-like curiosity alive!
3) Practice gratitude
Gratitude is not just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s a mindset, a way of life that brings forth positivity and happiness.
Research shows that people who practice gratitude regularly have lower levels of stress and depression. They sleep better, have stronger immune systems, and experience more joy and pleasure. They are also more forgiving and less lonely and isolated.
But it’s not just about listing things you’re thankful for. It’s about truly feeling grateful, soaking in the goodness of life.
When you start to appreciate the small things in life – a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a stranger, a delicious meal – you begin to realize how rich your life truly is. This sense of abundance keeps you vibrant and engaged.
So, whether it’s through a gratitude journal or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, make gratitude a daily habit. It’s an effortless way to enhance your wellbeing and add zest to your life.
4) Cultivate connections
We humans are social creatures. Our relationships with other people – friends, family, colleagues – play a significant role in our overall happiness and wellbeing.
People who stay vibrant and engaged in life understand the importance of cultivating connections. They make an effort to nurture their relationships and are not afraid to establish new ones.
These connections offer emotional support, provide a sense of belonging, and even bring about opportunities for personal growth.
In fact, having strong social connections can also lead to increased empathy and understanding of others’ perspectives, enriching our own life experiences.
So, reach out to an old friend, make plans with your loved ones, or strike up a conversation with a stranger. You never know what joys and lessons these interactions might bring. Plus, it’s these connections that make life truly worth living.
5) Live with purpose
In the grand tapestry of life, we all seek meaning and purpose. And those who stay vibrant and engaged in life have found their ‘why’ – the reason that drives them, that gets them out of bed each morning with a spring in their step.
Living with purpose is like having a compass that guides you through life’s ups and downs. It gives you a sense of direction, helps you make decisions, and motivates you to strive for your goals.
But finding your purpose isn’t always easy. It requires self-reflection, understanding your passions, values, and strengths. It’s about finding what truly matters to you and pursuing it with all your heart.
I can’t stress enough how transformative living with purpose can be. It’s not just about achieving external success; it’s about inner fulfillment. It’s about knowing that you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself.
So, dig deep, reflect on what sets your soul on fire and don’t be afraid to chase it. After all, a life full of purpose is a life well-lived.
6) Take care of your health
I’ve learned the hard way that health is wealth. A few years back, I found myself burnt out from work, sleep-deprived, and surviving on unhealthy convenience food. It took a toll not just on my physical health but also on my mental wellbeing.
That’s when I realized the importance of taking care of my health. Eating nutritious food, getting regular exercise, and ensuring enough sleep became non-negotiables for me.
Today, I can confidently say that taking care of my health has made me more vibrant and engaged in life. I have more energy to pursue my passions, more clarity to make decisions, and a more positive outlook on life.
Remember, your body is the vehicle that carries you through life. If you don’t maintain it well, it won’t be able to take you far. So make sure to prioritize your health because without it, everything else takes a backseat.
7) Embrace changes
Change is the only constant in life, and those who stay vibrant and engaged understand and embrace this.
Whether it’s a change in job, location, relationship status, or just the shift of seasons – they see each change as a new chapter, a new opportunity to learn and grow.
Instead of resisting change, they adapt and flow with it. They understand that change is inevitable and often necessary for progress and growth.
This openness to change keeps them flexible, resilient, and ready to seize new opportunities that come their way. It also keeps life exciting and dynamic.
So, when life throws you a curveball, remember to embrace it. It might just lead you to roads you never thought you would travel.
8) Practice self-love
Above all, the most important principle vibrant people live by is practicing self-love.
They understand that in order to pour into others’ lives, they must first fill their own cup. They prioritize their needs, set boundaries, and aren’t afraid to say ‘no’ when necessary.
Self-love is about acknowledging your worth and treating yourself with kindness and respect. It’s about celebrating your achievements and forgiving yourself for your mistakes.
When you love yourself, you set the standard for how others should treat you. You also attract positivity and love into your life.
So, if there’s only one thing you take away from this, let it be this: Love yourself. Not just on the good days, but especially on the hard ones. Because you are deserving of love, especially from yourself.
Wrapping it up: It’s a journey, not a destination
At the heart of it all, staying vibrant and engaged in life is less about following a set of principles, and more about embracing an approach to life.
It’s about continuously growing, learning, and evolving. It’s about seeking joy in the smallest of things, cultivating positivity, and nurturing strong connections. It’s about loving yourself and living with purpose.
Each day offers a fresh start, a new opportunity to live this one wild and precious life we have with vibrancy and engagement. And remember, it’s not a race or competition; it’s a journey meant to be savored at your own pace.
Each of us is unique, with our own set of passions, strengths, and quirks. So don’t compare your journey with someone else’s. Instead, focus on being the best version of YOU.
As the renowned poet Maya Angelou once said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
So here’s to living a vibrant, engaged life – your way!
