7 Signs You’re Living the Good Life

The Global Flourishing Study surveyed 200,000 adults over five years across 22 countries in hopes of better understanding what leads to a more satisfying life. Surprisingly, the study revealed that countries with higher GDP often had lower “composite flourishing” scores. These scores measure flourishing in self-rated happiness, health, meaning, character, relationships, and financial security. Shockingly, middle and low-income countries such as Mexico and Kenya, with a per capita GDP of under $1,200, have higher composite scores than richer nations such as the US, Sweden, Germany, and more! Money is not the path to happiness. These poorer nations score lower on financial security, education, and life evaluation, but they make up for this in positive emotions, feeling a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, character and virtue, social connection, and relationships. Interestingly, the items rated higher in these less affluent nations are all ideals God’s word points us to live our lives for. God says rejoice with him (Philippians 4:4). He desires that our lives be covered in positive emotions, not weighed by constant stress. Amazingly, this survey exposes the truth that even with less financial security, there is space for joy. The Bible teaches that gathering and living in community is vital to our faith and well-being (Hebrews 10:24-25). He calls us to live with the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Following Jesus is a quick way to a flourishing life! Japan had one of the lowest mean scores for flourishing despite its high GDP and long life expectancy, but its more material and humanistic culture distracts from the things in life that actually bring contentment. The report clarifies that the countries with the most money and longevity have achieved these things, but have given up much of what constitutes a good life. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Sharon McCutcheon