What makes life worth living?

grannyactivist your post really resonates with me. I am not religious but during this last year have thought particularly about how our positive actions can make a difference to other people (even some we find it hard to like).
This may only be in small ways, and perhaps not formally working with clients as you do, but can be so rewarding.

In addition to my faith, family and friends I would say the opportunity to make a difference.

Many of my clients are in a traumatic situation when I first meet them and feel they are of no value and have nothing to offer. Recently a past client wrote an account of his journey out of homelessness and he said; "I will live out the rest of my life at * (the community where he now lives) doing what I can to help them and help others." He has found purpose in working for a charity to help others who are homeless.

Exploring and discovering new places both in the UK and abroad.

Sitting outside in the sun with a view of the beach and a gin in my hand

Spending time with friends and family. Laughing together.

Sharing lovely meals out with my OH

My Campervan. It makes me smile every time I get into it.

Family friends health obviously, but also just the freedom to be able to go where I want and not have too think about it, if anything I feel this last year has proved “stuff”doesn’t really matter that much.

This is such a welcome, positive thread. I value, family, friends, good health, our pets, a comfortable, if modest, home, garden & gardening, local walks in the nearby woods & fields, cooking and eating tasty meals, a glass or two of wine, reading (a lot) and the many happy memories I have.

I was thinking this morning about what has made lockdown more bearable for me and I think it is living in a warm house with a cosy bedroom and nice bed and having good neighbours (and not living on top of one another) and having a lovely immediate family who has been used to living through adverse and difficult situations.

Human relationships and work (paid or voluntary), the opportunity to be creative and to appreciate what we have.

After the obvious things like health, family and friends, I believe work makes us happy. That is working at something we have a real interest in. Even if at times it might frustrate us, it is healthy to be applying oneself.
This lockdown has given me lots of time to do all the things I love, but the discipline of work makes my leisure time sweeter.

Family, friends and health.
Especially my health as I suppose I have taken it for granted in the past, and this last few years I have lost so much.

What really matters to me, such as family, friends, health, freedom and so on are very similar to those of you who have posted. I realised their importance before the pandemic of course, but not in such sharp focus as now, and that in the blink of an eye, I could lose them.

I wonder if your behaviour has changed in any way? I find that I try to be kinder, less reactive, and a more patient person, especially to OH and to actually show loved ones how much I care. I am not a touchy-feely person so this is quite hard for me.

Family.

First and foremost family and friends but other good things like a walk in the countryside, an interesting book, waking up to a sunny morning, a chat all make life worth living.

Health,love and laughter.
Family,friends and food.
Nature,dogs and walking them out in it as long as I'm able.
The view from our house and the lovely garden DH and I have created.

Good health! Without it everything loses it's shine.

After one's health, family and friends I guess it's many of the little things which make life worth living - a nice cup of tea, a view of one's garden through the changing seasons and the ability to enjoy a good book and/or a creative hobby. Being thankful for these small everyday things.

First is my health which enables me to indulge in everything else which adds quality to my life. Secondly my few select friends and (unselected!) family. Thirdly all the social outlets and activities which are shared with the second because of the first. Yes I am SO grateful for all three.

Family and friends and health foremost.

I shall never take my freedom for granted again, the freedom to visit, to go to dinner, to travel, to go to the theatre or cinema.

Being alive and enjoying the world around me. Being loved, to love and to be loved is the most precious gift of all.

Your health, family, friends, security of housing, looking out at beautiful surroundings. Something to look forward to socially.

Family
Friends
Music, music, music
Wide open spaces
Light interiors
Beautiful skies
Singing

Well this evening for example I live streamed the royal ballet dancing a short ballet Elite Syncopations. I sat and grinned the whole way through at the wonderful choreography, costumes and Scott Joplin music.

Family, as everyone would say.

I realise how much I value a sense of Freedom. I am not big on travel or going out much but not being allowed too has made me feel trapped.

My family, my health and having enough to live on. Living in a country that is democratic and upholds freedom of speech.

Seeing my adult DC and the grandchildren.

I'm involved with the local church, and a couple of other local groups which normally take up lots of my spare time especially in the summer months. That will change from now on. I will still be involved but not with the organising and fund raising. Someone else can take over shopping for and preparing the Sunday 1st X1 teas too.

Holidays, meals out, concerts/theatre trips will happen again eventually but they are not essential. It is time together that matters. We've done lots of work in the garden in the last 12 months and we want to be home more to carry on with that. We've also decided not to downsize just yet.

We made new wills and have started giving stuff away to the DC. Things they don't want are being sold or given to charity. The stuff that came from the PIL in 1998 ie, things I never wanted are certainly going. On a bonfire if necessary.