10 Unusual Indicators Life is Good
I wrote this piece back in December 2024 for my newsletter. As we move into fall, I pulled it back out to reflect. What was true then is still true now, so, I thought I would share it on the blog. Happy reading.
As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on the highs, the challenges, and all the little moments that made 2024 what it was. Like many of us, I’m also setting goals and intentions for the year ahead.
Recently, I came across an article by psychologist Todd Kashdan, where he listed 10 unusual indicators that life is good. It got me thinking—what would my list look like? So, I made my own, and I’d love to encourage you to do the same.
Sometimes, the things that remind us life is good aren’t the big milestones but the everyday experiences we might take for granted. Here are my 10 indicators of a good quality life in 2024:
1. Morning Walks
Morning walks have been a cornerstone of my routine this past year. They help me clear my mind, connect with myself, and have great conversations with my husband when we can walk together. Whether I go fast or slow, I always feel more at peace afterward. Walking reminds me that I can resolve a lot just by putting one foot in front of the other.
2. A Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato
Oh my goodness, have you ever had a baked sweet potato with nothing on it? Just pure, sweet, roasted perfection. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s one of those small joys I’ll never take for granted. If you haven’t tried it, consider this your sign.
3. Walking Into My Local Library
There’s something magical about the quiet hum of a library. It’s nostalgic—like stepping into a bowling alley as a kid but with an adult sense of purpose. Libraries remind me that community still exists in shared spaces, even in our increasingly digital world.
4. Waking Up at 6:00 AM
I used to struggle with mornings. In my 20s, depression kept me in bed far too often. In my 30s, burnout had me sleeping 10+ hours just to function. This past summer, something shifted. My body started waking up at 6:00 AM naturally, and it’s been a game-changer. I get to sip coffee, watch the sunrise, and feel like I’m starting the day on my own terms.
5. Being Moved by Something— Hello, “Shrinking” on Apple.
For years, I struggled to cry. I even told therapists that my goal was just to be able to cry, feeling broken that I couldn’t. Over time, I’ve learned it’s not about tears but about allowing myself to be moved— this year I have consistently been moved by “Shrinking” and I am here for it! I also recognize when I am moved by a song, a story, or even the tenderness of a fleeting moment. That ability to feel deeply is something I treasure.
6. Strength Training That Never Gets Easier
I’ve been strength training for 10 years, and you’d think it would get easier, but it never does—and that’s the beauty of it. It challenges me physically, mentally, and emotionally every time I step into the gym. It’s taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of showing up, even when things feel hard. Plus, I feel unstoppable when someone challenges me to a pull-up competition, so that’s a bonus.
7. Finally Being Out of Burnout
Burnout was my reality for years. Chronic stress followed me everywhere, and I didn’t even realize how long it would take to truly recover. Starting my private practice in 2021 was a turning point, but it still took three years to feel like myself again. This year, I found myself wanting to call friends after work, waking up refreshed, and saying, “What is happening?” It hit me—I’m not burnt out anymore. The takeaway? Healing takes time—often more than we’d like—but it’s worth it.
8. Home-Cooked Meals
This year, we shook up our usual dinner routine by trying recipes from the New York Times Cooking app. It’s been such a fun, creative outlet—and a reminder that home-cooked meals don’t have to be boring. There’s something grounding about preparing and sharing food together.
9. Quiet Moments
Silence has become a gift. Whether it’s the stillness of a snowy walk in the woods or just driving without a podcast on, I’ve come to cherish the quiet. This year, I’ve worked on cutting back the noise, literally and figuratively, and leaning into the peace that comes with stillness.
10. The Freedom to Travel
Hello, modern world, thank you! I can Google a destination, plan a trip, and make it happen. Travel is one of my favorite ways to expand my perspective, reconnect with joy, and remind myself how big and beautiful the world is.
Your Turn
What are your unusual indicators that life is good? Big or small, I’d love to hear them. Sometimes, naming these moments helps us stay present and grateful for what we already have.
Let’s make this year a year filled with more of the simple joys that remind us life is good.
