Here are 100 reasons to live, to keep going, to never give up. Even when life seems too hard. Because life is actually wonderful.
If you’re currently going through a tough time, keep in mind: your situation does not define you. Your current problems are not you. They are simply something you are experiencing right now, and you have the power to change.
You also have the power to focus on these 100 reasons (or your own), rather than focusing on what doesn’t work or what you don’t have. So keep reading, or skip to the end to download a PDF version of the whole list of reasons.
100 reasons to live
- 1. Change. As I mentioned already, you have the ability to change, and it can happen a lot sooner than you expect. For example, if you currently suffer from depression or anxiety, you can learn to go back to a normal life pretty quickly once you make the decision to do so. I believe change itself is a good enough reason to live; it gives you hope and motivation.
- 2. Life’s surprises. Not only do you have the power to change your life — you may also receive a special, unexpected gift from life. The truth is that life is unpredictable, but not necessarily in a negative way. Sometimes it gives you the right opportunity at the right time, and it’s just amazing.
- 3. Delicious food. This may be obvious, but it had to be part of this list. I’m sure you have a favorite food or dish, or at least one you really enjoy. Food is one of life’s great pleasures, and eating your favorite dish when you’re hungry is something you should really appreciate.
- 4. Healthy food. Thankfully, indulging in food doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to sacrifice your health. You can eat meals that are delicious and healthy, so you can get your food fix without feeling guilty.
- 5. Traveling. There are about 195 countries in the world, and although some of them may be uninteresting, or even dangerous, that’s still a huge number. Traveling can be incredibly exciting and, thanks to planes and trains, it’s a lot easier and faster than it used to be.
- 6. Dreams. When you sleep, your subconscious mind comes up with some pretty creative thoughts and images. Sometimes you wake up and you can’t help being amazed at your own mind! Plus, if you learn the basics of dream interpretation, you could discover some of their meanings.
- 7. Flowers. They are one of Mother Nature’s miracles; their beauty is incredible, and their smell is always so suave. Whether you admire a single flower or a whole colorful field, you just have to be thankful.
- 8. Your longevity. Compared to other species (or even other human beings, especially centuries ago, when the average life expectancy was much shorter), you get to live a pretty long existence. We take it for granted, but we shouldn’t. It’s one more reason to be alive.
- 9. Relaxing massages. Besides having countless health benefits, such as improving your immune system and sleep quality, relaxing massages feel amazing, especially those that last one hour or longer. They can help with stress and anxiety, too.
- 10. Hugs. Human contact may not be as important as food and water, but it’s still one of our fundamental needs as human beings. Few things in life feel as good as a long, tight hug. Definitely a reason to appreciate life.
- 11. Sundays. Or any of your days off where you aren’t supposed to do anything in particular, and you can wake up with no alarm clock. Work is one of the main causes of stress, even for those who love their career, and nothing beats a well-deserved day off.
- 12. Friends. As I’ve explained in a previous post, having no friends isn’t necessarily a bad thing. So if you currently don’t have any close friends, you shouldn’t worry about it. That being said, meaningful friendship can improve your life and even make you discover things about yourself you never thought about.
- 13. Strangers. It’s great to spend time with friends and people you already know, but sometimes you just want to meet and talk to strangers. The element of uncertainty can make the whole experience even more fulfilling. And any stranger could turn into the love of your life, or a really good friend.
- 14. Dopamine. This neurotransmitter is, essentially, what allows us to think, plan, and feel pleasure. It’s not just dopamine, of course, but without it, life would be pretty boring. Quick tip: you get an extra dose of dopamine whenever you feel you have accomplished something (whether it’s making your bed in the morning, crossing off a task on your to-do list, or your greatest accomplishment ever).
- 15. Dopamine detox. If our brain is exposed to a constant stream of images, sounds, or activities that trigger dopamine (for example, using your phone all day), eventually it gets used to abnormal levels of dopamine, and we end up feeling depressed for no reason. A dopamine detox can help you go back to normal levels, so you can enjoy life a lot more.
- 16. Meditation. We can use our body and our mind, but we are not them. We are not our thoughts, and we are not our feelings. Meditation is one of the easiest ways to increase your awareness, which is what you really are, as well as becoming calmer and happier effortlessly.
- 17. Money. It may not buy happiness, but it can definitely buy some pretty cool things — including food, heating, and medicines. And if you’re reading this post, chances are your financial situation is way better than that of other people, so be grateful for that.
- 18. Laughing. Have you ever laughed so hard you started to cry? Just like physical exercise or intimacy, laughing gives you a natural high. Practice the art of laughter more often, because it’s awesome.
- 19. Finally achieving something. Typically, the longer we have to wait until we get something, and the more effort we’ve put into it, the more we’ll appreciate it. Finally achieving one of your goals is also a natural high, one where you feel super proud, and “on top of the world”.
- 20. Curiosity. We all go through times where we feel like giving up on life, yet we don’t, and I think our curiosity is one of the main reasons. Even when we believe life is too hard, we still have the instinct to discover and learn new things, and we can only do that if we keep living.
- 21. Perfect weather. For me, this means hot, sunny weather for at least eight hours a day — the climate you’d expect in some kind of tropical paradise. For you, it could be the warm months of the fall, or perhaps when it snows. Just think of your definition of “perfect weather”.
- 22. Fasting. We all know how a good diet can increase our focus and energy, but surprisingly fasting has some pretty amazing effects too. When done properly, it boosts your immunity and helps you concentrate for long periods of time. For some, it can be a spiritual experience, too.
- 23. A special person. Usually someone you’re attracted to, mentally and physically (although a close friend or a family member could definitely be special too). Perhaps you haven’t met a special person yet, but it doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.
- 24. Music. According to German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, music is, out of all art forms, the most beautiful and mysterious. It can be incredibly creative, too. And the more you listen to different compositions and genres, the more you’ll appreciate it.
- 25. Evolution. Though human society is still far from perfect, it’s undeniable that we’ve evolved in a way our ancestors would never even imagine. Think of the quality of life we have, and compare it to that of those who lived in the past: I think it’s pretty incredible.
- 26. Psychotherapy. One of the ways we’ve evolved has also been our ability to identify, understand, and heal diseases. Psychology, which basically studies our mind, is only about 140 years old, but has advanced to the point where we’re able to treat mental health disorders such as severe depression and panic, without any kind of medication.
- 27. Alternative therapies. There’s an endless list of therapies you can use to heal both body and mind — Bach flower essences, Ayurveda, acupuncture, massage, Reiki, hypnotherapy, and many others. They’re all great, and if you find one that works well for you, it could be life-changing.
- 28. Games. They’re a great way to have fun, alone or with friends, but also improve your logic and decision making skills (for example, if you play chess), or learn about human psychology and take risks (for example, if you play poker).
- 29. Your favorite scent. Or any perfume that you really really like. It could be the smell of freshly cut grass, the scent of a tulip, or an expensive cologne. An enchanting masterpiece that can’t be touched, seen, heard, or shared on social media. That’s quite rare, right?
- 30. Luck. Sometimes life is unfair… and sometimes we get so lucky we almost feel we didn’t deserve it. Remember, the more you take action, the luckier you get. Fortune favors the brave!
- 31. Spirituality. If you’re a religious person, then hopefully you know that being spiritual can improve your life as well as the life of those you love. However, you don’t need to belong to any particular religion to be spiritual. And everyone has a different way to practice spirituality.
- 32. Hobbies and sports. They are a great way to meet like-minded people, learn new skills, improve your self esteem, and even relieve anxiety. Once you find a hobby you’re truly passionate about, I guarantee you’ll never be bored again.
- 33. Complete relaxation. There’s many different ways you can fully relax, including massage, meditation, hypnotherapy, breathing techniques, and floating (lying in a float tank without any kind of external stimulation). They all feel amazing, and I encourage you to try out at least one of them.
- 34. Fireworks. They’re just spectacular, and I think adults enjoy them as much as kids do. If you haven’t already, go watch a proper firework show. It’s one of those things you have to witness at least once in your life, even if you think it’s a “waste of time”.
- 35. Birds chirping. If you’ve ever listened to meditation music on YouTube, you may have noticed that in some tracks you can hear nature sounds, including birds. I’ve already mentioned music is one of the reasons to be alive, however music produced by Mother Nature can be equally amazing.
- 36. Aging. Some are terrified of becoming older, but if you think about it, aging is actually a positive thing. As we grow, life teaches us lessons we couldn’t have understood when we were younger. Not only that, we also learn to appreciate life a lot more.
- 37. Not being alone. If you are going through a difficult time, it may seem like it’s just you, but I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. I don’t care what your problem is, or how bad you think it is — I guarantee many people have gone or will go through the same.
- 38. Komorebi. This is a Japanese word which refers to the sunlight that filters through leaves and trees. You can admire komorebi in any forest, park, or garden; its beauty is quite rare.
- 39. The internet. I mean, you wouldn’t be able to read this blog without the internet, so it must be a good enough reason to live, right? On a serious note, once you realize how many things you can do (or avoid) thanks to the internet, you can’t deny it’s a miracle.
- 40. Hygge. Another rare, untranslatable word, this time from Norway. There is no equivalent in English, but it basically refers to the feeling of coziness you experience when you eat food with friends, or when it’s really cold outside and you sip a hot drink.
- 41. Your uniqueness. We always want what we can’t have, and want to become what we can’t be. But we shouldn’t. Each and every one of us is 100 percent unique, and once you embrace your own uniqueness, you’ll automatically be happier, stronger, and more successful in life.
- 42. Hotels. Or any temporary accommodation that gives you an extra dose of “hygge”, whether it’s a hostel, or a five-star hotel. When you’re traveling, it feels really good to know you’ll be able to stay and sleep somewhere nice.
- 43. Sleep. We can’t function without it. Plus, when you wake up after deep, refreshing sleep, it feels wonderful. Get your eight (or more) hours because you’re supposed to, and be grateful for your ability to completely turn off your body every night.
- 44. Naps. And whenever you’re tired, you can even take naps! How amazing is that? Happiness is all about being present and being able to appreciate the little things, and I’m sure naps are one of them.
- 45. Your creativity. Even if you’re not an artist, you are still capable of creating things that are original, including your own thoughts and inner world. Make sure to express your creativity often because, besides being good for your mental health, it also makes you discover your unique strengths and skills.
- 46. Your potential. Basically, there’s nothing that you can’t do. As human beings, we have an unlimited potential, and it’s something we shouldn’t take for granted. We are able to create, innovate, set and reach goals, and design our own lifestyle.
- 47. Sunbathing. Ideally in some tropical island, but it feels good anywhere. Sun exposure is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, which helps you lose weight, improve your mood, have stronger bones, and even boost your immune system.
- 48. Inspiring others. Because each and every one of us has a unique lifestyle and personality, we are able to inspire others even when we don’t realize it. You don’t need to be a celebrity, write a book, or give a speech to change the way other people think.
- 49. Festivals and celebrations. Those who are wise have learned to celebrate all their small wins, as well as life’s unexpected surprises, and that’s good enough. However, there is nothing like huge festivals and celebrations, and their joyful atmosphere is something you need to experience at least once in your life.
- 50. Philosophy. What’s the purpose of life, and why are we here on this planet? And what’s the best way to be happy and ensure others are happy as well? Philosophy isn’t just an abstract discipline — it’s a powerful tool we can use to improve our existence.
- 51. Silence. I’ve already mentioned music is a good enough reason to live, but I think silence is as good. This is especially true if you are a hyper sensitive person, however everyone needs complete silence from time to time (to sleep, recharge, meditate, practice introspection, and so on).
- 52. Sobremesa. The third untranslatable word in this list. This one is from Spain, and refers to the tradition of relaxing and chatting after a big meal, usually in the summer, “at the table” (the literal meaning of the word).
- 53. Happiness. And all our positive emotions in general. We all have the ability to feel joy and happiness, and we shouldn’t take it for granted. Even during our darkest times, there is always something we can be grateful for.
- 54. The fact that you matter. If so far you’ve had the thought that people matter only if they do this or that, I encourage you to change or eliminate this thought because it leads to unfulfillment. Remember, you matter regardless of who you are and what you do.
- 55. The fact that you are needed. Our society needs people with different personality types, skills, ideas, and so on. If we all were the same, and all did the same things, it would be a pretty boring world. So just like anybody else, you are needed.
- 56. Random acts of kindness. It always brightens your day when a complete stranger is extremely polite or generous, or goes the extra mile to help you out. Just like you can brighten someone’s day by performing a random act of kindness.
- 57. Exercising. By playing sports, working out, or moving your body in general (provided it’s with great intensity), you can get a natural high thanks to an extra dose of endorphins — and be healthier and live longer. Exercise is especially important if you’re suffering from anxiety or depression.
- 58. Comfortable beds. Sleep being part of this list, I obviously had to mention comfortable beds as well. Nothing beats laying down in a fresh, big, soft bed when you’re super tired. Honorable mentions: ear plugs and sleep masks.
- 59. Risks. Some of us are risk takers who crave excitement, while others are naturally more risk-averse — it just depends on our personality. But I do believe everyone should learn to take risks in life (sensibly, of course) simply because sometimes it’s necessary.
- 60. Nature. If you ever need to remind yourself of its beauty, just google images of breathtaking tropical beaches, forests, or mountains (and think about your next holiday, too). When we walk in nature, our original environment, we feel happier and calmer; it’s a primordial feeling.
- 61. First times. Like, the first time you do anything. In a relationship, in your career, when you travel, and in life. You simply can’t recreate the excitement of a first time — one more reason to be curious and try out new things often.
- 62. Seasons. This depends on where you live, but in most climates you get to experience warmer and colder days, as well as sunny and rainy days. You may prefer one season over another, but if you think about it, every season has advantages. For instance, it’s a lot more common to feel hygge (item 40) during the winter.
- 63. Good days. We’ve all had days that are just perfect: you wake up feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, you feel great for no reason in particular, and the whole day is just smooth, whether you’re working or just enjoying life. Definitely a reason to be alive.
- 64. Magic shows. Or any amazing single magic trick. Seriously, good ones are just unbelievable. It’s kind of like watching an athlete who’s spent years practicing a single move, so they can perform the move as quickly and as elegantly as possible.
- 65. Night markets. Walking along hundreds of stalls at night is a unique experience. Night markets are popular in Asian culture, and some of the biggest in the world are in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Beijing.
- 66. Masterpieces. Whether it’s paintings, sculptures, movies, jewellery, modern art, your favorite song or clothes. Whatever it is, appreciate the creativity and amount of time spent to create them, and the fact that you get to see and admire them.
- 67. Sabbaticals. Life is too short for short holidays. So if you can and want, do take some time off — you won’t regret it. There’s many things you can do once you temporarily leave your job: I’ve listed eight ideas in another article.
- 68. Saying “I’ve made it”. And it doesn’t need to be your greatest accomplishment. Life is full of challenges (sometimes self-imposed challenges, which can be a good or a bad thing), and once you achieve them, it feels really good.
- 69. Your own list of reasons. Hopefully these 100 items will inspire you, but I still encourage you to write your own list of reasons. We’re all different, and there may be certain things that most people ignore but that make you really happy, so write them down and think how you can experience them more often.
- 70. Relief. Which is kind of like gratitude. Think of when you catch a train just in time, or get a refund, or find out you’ve been worrying about a problem but it was all in your head. Or, when you wake up after a horrible nightmare.
- 71. 4am. There’s something magical about the early hours in the morning, when most people are in bed and everything’s so quiet. Whether you are working, exercising, partying, reading a book, or just meditating, it just feels different when it’s really early (or late).
- 72. Forgiveness. Besides being a gift to others, it’s also and most importantly a gift to yourself. To forgive means to get rid of anger, bitterness, and resentment; in turn, this will make you happier. Life is too short to hold grudges.
- 73. The fact that you’re reading this. You are taking the time to discover and think of all the reasons to be alive, which means you’re actively trying to be happier, or at least be positive.
- 74. Life’s challenges. We’ve seen how feelings of accomplishments make life so much better, and the truth is that to experience these feelings you usually have to grow as a person, learn new things, and face your fears, so be grateful for these challenges.
- 75. Freedom. No one is completely free, but the amount of things we can do compared to our ancestors, or even other species, is pretty amazing. Whether we realize it or not, we can do whatever we want in life, we just need to be aware of what we may need to sacrifice to do that.
- 76. Your body. Which is a miracle (you don’t need to be a scientist or a doctor to realize this). Think of your brain, your heart, your eyes, your immune system, the trillions of cells your body is made of. Technology has advanced quite a lot, but it’s still not even remotely close to the miracle of the human body.
- 77. Art. It’s a way to make the world more beautiful, to express ourselves, to say things without using a single word. Plus, everyone can create art — no need to go to a school or anything like that.
- 78. Gratitude. There’s many ways to live better and feel happier, but gratitude is usually the easiest and fastest. This list itself could be an exercise to practice gratitude (one more reason to create one yourself).
- 79. Free things. Information on the internet, such as this blog, but also and most importantly the wonders of nature, people’s smiles, laughing, the sunlight, friends and relationships. Money can buy nice things, but ultimately the best things in life are free.
- 80. Technology. Not always a good thing, considering that our society is becoming continuously more impersonal and “digitized”. However, you wouldn’t be able to read this article without it, and a lot of the things you’re supposed to do on a daily basis would be a lot more time consuming if it wasn’t for technology.
- 81. Falling in love. Not for the faint of heart, and it can be an emotional rollercoaster. But it’s one of the reasons to live. Perhaps you haven’t experienced love yet, or you have and it wasn’t pretty, but nothing stops you from falling in love if you want to; and sometimes, it just happens.
- 82. Knowing someone loves you. This could refer to a relationship, but also your family, your friends, or even pets (they’re adorable). When you know someone loves and genuinely cares about you, that’s one more reason to live. Can’t think of anyone? It’s probably a sign that you should be less guarded, and meet new people.
- 83. Exciting goals. Those who stop working all of a sudden, and do not cultivate any hobbies, are more likely to suffer from depression and even die sooner. Seriously. It’s super important to have goals, and things that give you purpose and direction.
- 84. Being sober. Just say no and realize that being sober, and being in control of your body and mind rather than being deranged, is actually amazing. Nothing wrong with a few drinks from time to time, but we do need to appreciate being sober as well.
- 85. Like-minded people. It’s great to interact with those who are our complete opposite (in terms of life choices, personality, and views), at least in small doses. But usually we form the best, long lasting friendships with those who are like-minded.
- 86. Faith. Whatever it means to you. It could refer to your religion, your goals, or practicing positive thinking and knowing that everything is going to be fine no matter what. Faith is one of the reasons to be alive and keep going.
- 87. The fact that you’ve grown. Think of the past version of yourself; who you used to be… and who you are right now. Don’t just think of your accomplishments in terms of your career, or financial situation: reflect on how you’ve changed as a person. Think about this long enough and I guarantee you’ll be incredulous.
- 88. Science. Especially all the discoveries that made it possible to develop medicines and treatments, and improve our life in general. Definitely something we shouldn’t take for granted, and a reason to live.
- 89. Becoming really good at something. It improves your self esteem, and it’s a lot of fun. Depending on the skill you’re practicing, it may be great for your health as well (for example, if you learn to cook, or be healthier through exercise) and help you meet new friends.
- 90. People who care. For instance, entrepreneurs who actually care about their product or service, and the people they serve (this allows them to create businesses that actually help us and improve our life). But I’m referring to anyone who cares about others and/or their job.
- 91. Your intuition. Did you know you have a superpower called intuition? Now you do. Use it frequently, and trust it, because your gut feelings are almost always right. Especially when it comes to important long-term decisions.
- 92. The past. It’s vital that you learn to forget the past if it haunts you, but what I’m referring to here is your best memories. A crazy night out, a trip overseas, a person you’ll never forget, or even just something you did in the past that you’re still really proud of.
- 93. Stars. When the sky is clear and it’s not too cold, admire the stars at night and try not to be amazed. Really take the time to admire their beauty, and ponder how something like that can even exist. For those who are able to appreciate its beauty and mystery, a starry sky is a reason to live.
- 94. Luxury items. Purses, clothes, jewellery, cars. But also items that are really expensive because of their design, or the material they’re made of, or the way they improve your life or make you feel. One more reason to live.
- 95. Absurd jokes. In your favorite TV series, or when you’re chatting with your friends. Funny jokes are probably a good enough reason to live, but surreal humor is just on another level.
- 96. Your favorite color. Mine’s light blue. Your favorite color may tell you something about your personality; for instance, those whose favorite color is green are usually compassionate and down to earth; those who like red are more likely to be risk takers.
- 97. Good manners. They make you and others happier, and they’re 100 percent free. There’s no need to smile all the time, and you don’t want to have a fake behavior, but it’s important to realize that good etiquette always goes a long way.
- 98. Sharing things. For instance, right now I’m sharing this list with you. It feels good to share things with others, even when it’s just a quick conversation and you’re exchanging ideas. Something you have or know may benefit others immensely, and you never know until you share it.
- 99. Your purpose. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to take the time and think of your purpose here on Earth. It’s the reason you wake up every morning; it’s the reason you don’t give up despite the challenges you have to face; it’s a reason to live.
- 100. Being high on life. Probably the best thing you’ll ever experience, which is why it’s the last and most important item on the list. It means feeling like a million bucks, on top of the world, and full of joy and energy. It’s like living in a dream and, in my opinion, it’s the number one reason to be alive.
100 reasons to live · Download
I hope you found this list inspiring, and I hope you will create your own as well. It doesn’t need to be a hundred items, it could be just a few really good ones. As promised, here is the link to download the list:
I’m curious: what is your number one reason to live? Let me know by leaving a reply below! 👇