Photo Challenge: LIFE SATISFACTION – TOP 10 LIST
“I think the greatest satisfaction anyone will get in their lives, is when they make a difference to somebody else’s life.” — Sir Richard Branson
Photo Challenge: LIFE SATISFACTION – TOP 10 LIST
1. Family – My family is dear to me and I look to them first for clarity, comfort and more…
2. Friends – We all need at least 1 true friend in our lives. The more the merrier. They remind us of our best selves
3. Faith – Call it what you wish. A belief in a higher purpose makes meaning of life and daily struggles
4. Service to others – Richard Branson said it best above. Service to others adds grace and gratitude to our lives
For our weekly photo challenge, on SATISFACTION, I tried to look for photos that expressed my understanding of what a satisfying life would include. Sure, a good cup of coffee in the morning or an early jaunt around town at dawn could be very satisfying but, I chose to look at the theme from a life perspective. These 10 values are what I believe most of us are experiencing or contemplating when we think of having lived a satisfying life. The order might vary or some folks might swap out a few but, the fundamental reasons most share about living satisfactory lives begins with some version of the 4 listed above. Why? Because we cherish our closest human interactions, our beliefs, our ability to serve and the love and joy they bring us.
The two center photos above are worth explaining. The first is of my younger sister, Goz, and her daughter, and my twins. I took that shot when she visited the US some time ago. It’s a very happy picture and fits right in. I come from a large family with many siblings and extended relatives. We cherish our bond and this was just one small way of sharing that. The photo below it is a group shot of me and a few girlfriends at a sendoff we had for one of our friends, Anne Marie; she is wearing the white shirt. I’m sitting in the middle in a black jacket. She was moving with her hubby and kids to Norway and we wanted to make it a special farewell. Friendships are very important to human interaction. They give us much to celebrate.
READ: How To Be More Satisfied With Your Life – 5 Steps Proven By Research
Life Satisfaction and Its 7 Contributors
“To be able to look back upon ones life in satisfaction, is to live twice.” Khalil Gibran
Photo Challenge: LIFE SATISFACTION – TOP 10 LIST
5. Food – Daily sustenance comes from food; it’s medicine for the body/mind/soul. What we eat keeps us energized. Indulge sometimes.
6. Healthy habits – Includes exercise, rest, mental-health care, check ups and everything else that helps us stay healthy
7. Work – Meaningful work is very important to our overall sense of well-being. Plus, work gives us purpose and duty.
Since I love creating collages, I chose photos that expressed some aspect of the ten satisfying ways of living I listed. I added the shot of me and my kids to show how time flies and why it is important to nurture our relationships and do the best we can to sustain them. Sure, we all have challenges in our relationships and there are good and not so good times but, the bond is sustained by the memories we share and new ones we hope to create. Hold your family dear. I chose the dessert photo because it is delicious and seemingly decadent yet healthy. Life is a bowl of cherries when you can make a healthy fruit and lite whip treat that looks dangerous but tastes like heaven. Ha! The quote from Sir Richard Branson speaks for itself. What would you add to your top 10 list?
READ: The Ten Happiest Jobs
More Below
“Success is finding satisfaction in giving a little more than you take.” Christopher Reeve
Photo Challenge: LIFE SATISFACTION – TOP 10 LIST
8. Achieving Goals – Setting and achieving even the smallest goals keeps our spirits up and our positivity high. Set some.
9. Travel – Travel opens our eyes and minds to the vast cultures outside our own. It is one of the best human interaction teachers.
10. Nature & Creative Expression – Being able to appreciate the vast beauty of nature keeps us in awe of the world. Creative expression needs that exposure.
Can you tell what the other photos represent? I tried to find pictures that fit my list and while I took almost all of them myself, I must add that the last two (bottom left and right) came from Pixabay because they expressed fully the need to be charitable and offer our service to others. If I could have all 10 in my life, then definitely, satisfaction would be a word I would use to describe my life. All of them don’t have to be perfect as part of life includes some challenge and lots of growth. However, these 10 matter to me. What about you? What 10 would be on your list?
READ: Life Satisfaction OECD Study
This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: SATISFACTION For this week’s Weekly Photo Challenge, share something that satisfies you. Share a photo of something that brings you satisfaction. It can be monumental, minor, or something in between. We can’t wait to see your contributions.
Positive Motivation Tip: Living a life of Satisfaction truly begins when we wish it for others.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos from my personal collection.
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Trackbacks
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Satisfaction | Ruined for Life: Phoenix Edition
- A Beautiful Post | Unrestricted Lens Photo Blog
- Satisfaction: Offspring | What's (in) the picture?
- WPC: Satisfaction | Lillie-Put
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Satisfaction – Jinan Daily Photo
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Textures | Ruined for Life: Phoenix Edition
- Life Satisfaction – SEO
Family and volunteering are such important aspects of a good life. I know for me, to feel satisfied, I need to feel I’ve done something good in life.
Likewise. Thank you! 🙂
I keep telling my kiddos that I want them to be happy. Family is at the top of my list too.
Yes, we want the best for them and for all. 🙂
It sounds like you truly enjoy your life. I love how encouraging it is.
My life satisfaction is definitely my child. I love this post so much, it makes me think about all the good things in my life.
You ae truly blessed. 🙂
You are truly blessed. 🙂
I think my list contains items similar to yours. Family will always be number one for me, too. 🙂
I hear you … and for most people.
Thanks for sharing it! I really love the list and feel inspired to do this myself also..
🙂
What a wonderful read, it really brought a smile to my face. In a world where everyone is searching for what constitutes happiness, I think you’ve nailed it 😊
Thank you Russell. Your comment brought joy to my heart. <3
Love this idea. I think it’s good to reflect and take the time to focus on what YOUR satisfaction is then channel your energy there!
Great post!
Indeed and then remember to be grateful. 🙂
I love the idea of picking moments that really mean a lot and highlighting them! I love how you captured each moment and really focused on the most satisfying things in this life! Beautiful!
Thank you Heather… life is a series of captured moments! 🙂
Family will always be number one and I think that’s what makes life worth living. These are beautiful choices for your top 10. I would have chosen the same things!
Thank you my friend! <3
I agree with that order a bit. I may do family, faith friends
Yes, I can see that most of us will mix it up a bit but the list covers a lot of what many folks think about when the them of life satisfaction arises.
I love your photos! I totally understand how they would be “Satisfying life” for you! Good friends, Good family and great memories! That’s how I would hope my life to be when I look back too! <3
I’m with you. They make life worth living. 🙂
I wholeheartedly agree with the thought that satisfaction in life has so much to do with how we treat and help others vs. focusing on ourselves. Yes, there is a balance where we do need to “take care of ourselves.” But often times, life is way more meaningful when we give of our time, talents, resources to others. Truly, we have found in our home/family that giving is often better than receiving.
True. <3 To be able to help others and to remember to do so is a great gift. We all need support in life and the others on the list add to that picture.
I like your list of values. It got me thinking about what would bring me satisfaction. I believe it would change with day and my mood but mostly a peace of mind and productive life and good health of my family and friends is satisfaction enough 🙂
Indeed. 🙂 At the end of the day, we are all working towards some version of those goals. We might express it differently but they keep us going.
I love this list! It helped me think about what’s important to me, too. Family is definitely at the top of my list! It’s all we have in this life!
Thank you! We all deserve a support system that appreciates us and that could come in many forms; I see them all as family. <3
This is such a great concept and the photos are just beautiful
<3
Your photos exude pure happiness. I love your initial quote because family is everything and I raised my girls to understand service to others is one of the best ways to achieve happiness and success.
Amen to that… We must never forget those in need. I agree. <3
I like all your photos and your list. Mine would be similar. I should do more healthy habits. I’m working on it, but I am a fan of sweets. They gave me satisfaction 😉
I love dessert too Amber! I could have used one of my other food shots but, this one danced before my eyes and I love the symbol of cherries on top… Life is a bowl of cherries when we feel on top of it. 😉 <3
This is very inspirational. You have given me an idea to start collecting daily photos and consolidating those. This would be a great way to remember special moments and giving thanks to all the blessings.
I was thinking about that too. I want to create another collage that expresses the list in a deeper and complete way. TY! 🙂
Achieving my goals helps to keep me motivated to push on. I like to set smaller goals that work up to a larger one.
What about life satisfaction? What gives your life meaning? 🙂
I noticed this collage on Instagram and really stopped to look at it. I was curious what the pictures represented and what the collage subject had been, one of my guesses was ‘Family’ but I couldn’t figure out how the food fit in. It was lovely to read your post and learn the why behind more of the photos!
Thank you Lisa! 🙂 I’m glad you followed through and read the rest…. I enjoyed this challenge very much. <3
Yes you certainly do love creating collages. I’ve been amazed that you never run out of themes and ideas. How cool that you have twins!
Thank you Alison! <3 I do have my moments. Hahaha! 🙂
Beautiful photos and beautiful post. Knowing my family and friends support me really helps. Achieving your goals also is always satisfying. And eating delicious food too
Hahaha! I concur. 🙂
Indeed. Am glad I read this today (Friday) my choice day for reflecting upon my week and gearing up for the next. It reminded me of the importnat things. At this juncture, I can’t possibly emphasize the two of the Fs : Faith & Family. And that Richard Branson quote; well it reminds us that not every one of us can have these 10 things however free most of them are. We, therefore, have a duty to make a difference in other peoples lives. Especially those who can’t cherish life as you’ve put it.
Family and Faith are my priority…I am looking forward to reading more of your posts, they really inspire me…:)
I enjoyed read your list. My list would be family, God, friends, ministry, great food, traveling, leaving a legacy.
Family is always first for me. I love your posts. They are always encouraging and motivating. I love your collages too.
Love everything about this post! It’s meaningful, insigtful & thought provoking. Thank you for sharing what’s important to you & your fam. Love your collages, too!
I love this quote – “Success is finding satisfaction in giving a little more than you take.” Christopher Reeve
There are so many little things that contribute to our satisfaction and happiness. You have listed the most important ones. The support of our families and friends is so important into us feeling proud of our achievements.
love this! My family is the most important thing for me, it’s the top of my list! Maybe I need to write down a top 10! Thanks for sharing.
Very moving! As they say, the unexamined life isn’t worth living. What I find to be satisfying in life changes as I get older, and I think it is important to stop and reflect on what makes our lives meaningful and satisfying and if we are living up to it.
This post is really inspiring. A lot of times I have a hard time thinking of things that I am thankful for. Mostly because of all the stress that daily life hands me. I realized through reading your post that I have a lot of things that I should be thankful for that that I need to take more time to think about these things each day!
Thank you for sharing!
What a great blog post, Elizabeth. I love how your positivity radiates through your post and how encouraging you are. Great read. And I cold not agree more about the food portion.
Beautiful pictures! To me family will always be on the top of my list, as My mama told me and as I will tell my kids!
Family is so important and filling each others cup and helping each other to be happy is great too. I just love your motivation.
I think I should come up with a Top 10 Life Satisfaction List. I can tell my my kids and family would be at the top of this list. They both mean everything to me.
You should… and share it with them. 🙂
My family is my greatest treasure. We don’t have riches but the smiles and hugs I receive everyday are enough to make me feel like a million. My best friends have moved out of state, so we don’t get a chance to meet up in person, but that does not mean we have lost the bond. Thanks to technology, I am “virtually” with them almost everyday. I think living a full life is to be with family, to have faith and trust in God’s plan, to live simply and to practice kindness and charity.
All are noble acts. We see that mentioned by the dying. There is deep truth in those facts.
I found that volunteering helps me with all my every day stresses. Something about seeing others helps me think I can get through anything.
Indeed it does … that is the magic of helping others.
What beautiful pictures!!! Family is the most important thing. There is nothing more precious then Family.
I agree and there are many forms of what we call family.
I think that giving to someone else does make one feel some form of satisfaction. But I think there is a good thing about being satisfied with what one has is absolutely important as well. It’s not always easy. But I think when we learn to appreciate what we have we are more satisfied with life.
It’s a synergistic act, the more satisfied we feel, the more we are able to give… People who are not content with their lot are not able to give to others no matter how well off they are.
It makes me feel good when I help others as I think it is really important that we are charitable towards those who need it. Family and food are important for maintaining life satisfaction as well x
I feel the same way… We need them all. 🙂
I agree, family and friends mean a lot. It’s a bond that deserves appreciation. Love the pic of you w/your daughters!! They look so much like mom!! 🙂 Lovely family! And I bet your friend loved so many aspects of Norway. Having a friend living there sounds like a good reason to visit to me (if you haven’t been, and even if you have ;)).
I love your list it’s very similar to mine, for me it’s my faith, family, music and food.
Reaching out and helping others without expecting anything in return provides a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment. I do a lot for my family, and I don’t expect reciprocation of any kind. As long as the love and respect is there, my remuneration will be in heartfelt hugs and thank-yous.
Making a difference, no matter how big or small would certainly be nearer to the top in my list. The others are mostly transitory and their actual relevance in my life might change with time and altered preferences, but touching lives in a positive way (not just charity), simply adds so much meaning and worth to your own life!
It’s really amazing to think of how many different factors there are to living a happy, satisfied life! It seems like you’ve done a really good job of making sure that all of these are always part of it in some way or another 🙂
I love this! Life really is about feeling emotionally and mentally fulfilled! Family, friends, the way the wind feels on your skin!
This is such a beautiful sentiment. I live how you talk
About the things that make you beautifully you.
I always love your photo challenges. They’re not only fun but inspire thought and intent in choosing the images. Great job!
Awww .. what a sweet look at some of the behind-the-scenes moments of your life. I had no idea you were a mom to twins! My goodness, you’ve had your hands full. So true what you said about family. Ours is small and I love them all so very much. x
Lovely photos, and I totally agree with your list. Family has always come at the top of mine too 🙂
Louise x
Family is number one, but with my health food and healthy habits tie for second. I love your list and how you showed them and explained them a little.
It looks like you are surrounded by love, with no shortage of family and friends 🙂 Great photos as always
What a positive post! I loved reading this. You certainly have a handle on what truly matters in this life!
Satisfaction leads to peace of mind and peace of life. If we are never satisfied, we will feel miserable. But being satisfied does not mean you stop striving to do your best always.
I think your top 10 list of satisfaction is also the same with mine. Family is first and I’m not sure how the rest will be in proper order according to weight of importance.
It makes sense that you included family. Most people would include family when thinking of their life satisfaction.
My family means so much to me, They are my back bone for everything. It makes it easier to have their support;
Family and travel! These are the things that satisfies me 🙂
Family and friends always do come first. It’s also important to be an influence in the world that help make it a better place to live in.
I love this so much. It reminds me to be grateful for all of these most important things in my life. Thank you.
After reading your post, I realised I’ve stopped thinking about satisfaction for a while and this is bad, because I started getting unhappy. I keep comparing and forgot to be satisfied!
I think to be truly satisfied from all aspects of life is to meditate on the very topmost thing that will make you happy. a deep connection. And go for it. And everything will fall into place and would be just as satisfying as the other.
My life satisfaction is knowing that I am helping my two children to achieve to their best ability. That and family.
This is such a lovely idea to reflect on everything so important and satisfying to you. Really enjoyable read.
Helping other people makes our existence while living meaningful. It is not how big we do for others but how meaningful it is and how our heart willingly wants to help. Having your family, friends and faith makes me satisfied.
I love the photos! It’s always a great way to keep memories.
Satisfaction is definitely achieved through things that you listed. Faith and service to others, where we aren’t focused on ourselves but those around us make us more satisfied.
Well said. 🙂
achieving satisfaction is what we call ‘nirvana’ in indian philosophy. it is eminently desirable, but very difficult to achieve as what satisfies us keeps changing. a challenging topic.
Indeed. It changes like the scenery before us… and that is why it is worth honoring. 🙂
I loved your pictures so much! They perfectly show the meaning you give to the world satisfaction! Also for me satisfaction is my family above all, my dogs and of course minor things like good food or maybe a new pair of shoes ahah!
I love shoes too so Yaay to that as well. 🙂
Satisfaction… how very timely. I’m happy for you that you seem very satisfied with your life. May God bless you more! As for me, a few weeks ago, I was in the not-so-satisfied zone, probably because of the thought of accepting this new challenge in my life. But now that I have decided to finally accept it and face it head on, I feel more at peace and satisfied. 🙂
Interesting…. Life is a roller coaster ride with hills and valleys. My life is a work in progress and there are areas that need growth… I am grateful for the process and glad you made a break through in yours. Stay blessed
Thank you Eliz! 🙂
Wow, this is a great post and love to read more I love this list and makes me think what is the most important
You always chose photographs that I can totally identify with, for me satisfaction would also be linked to family, the most important people in my life.
Amazing post! Family and quality time with family is very important
My life satisfaction is within the context or message of our Church 2nd Counselor, President Dieter Ucthdorf on giving my best personal self and undivided time to those who are important to me and that’s is my family and everything will follow or else I will regret later. – Gil Camporazo
a photo challenge sounds so much fun! what a great way to expand your skill set.
This sounds great! Imma gonna challenge my friends soon! 😀
A satisfying life for me would be when I see my family happy and healthy. I think that sums it all up.
A satisfying life for me would be when I see my family happy and healthy. I think that sums it all up.
Such beautiful words of wisdom in this post. Service to others and family are the most satisfying aspects of life for me.
Your top 10 is perfect. The order is so proper too. I can say you are a happy person. Also Family comes first is so true!
Thank you! <3