Flourish—don’t just feel happy
I think happiness alone isn’t enough. It feels great when life is going well, but it’s fragile. The moment something goes wrong, that feeling can disappear in a heartbeat.
Flourishing is different. It’s the steady fire that keeps you going, even when things get tough. It’s built from the daily habits that take care of your mind, body, and spirit. It’s there so that even in the middle of loss, stress, or conflict, you still have the strength, clarity, and courage to keep showing up for your life.
Flourishing runs deeper, and happiness is just one part of it. Flourishing is rooted in who you are and how you live—not just in how you feel in a single moment. Flourishing isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and consistency.
Flourishing versus languishing
Psychologist Martin Seligman describes flourishing through his PERMA model, which highlights five key elements of well-being: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
When you live with these elements in mind, you’re building a foundation strong enough to hold you steady through both sunny days and storms.
If you’re not truly flourishing, life can start to feel like a constant uphill battle.
Why the Philippines is one of the world’s most flourishing nations
We may not top the World Happiness Report (ranking only 57th out of 100 in 2025), but when it comes to true, multidimensional well-being, we soar. In the latest Global Flourishing Study (GFS), which surveyed 200,000 people in 22 countries, the Philippines ranked third—ahead of the US (15th) and Japan (22nd).
Why? Because for many Filipinos, well-being isn’t just about smiles or success. It’s about having the comfort of family close by, the belief that life has meaning, and the faith that carries us through hard times.
Unlike surveys that focus mainly on life satisfaction, the GFS looks at the full picture: meaning and purpose, physical and mental health, character and virtue, close relationships, and financial stability. Indonesia ranked first, while Mexico, second—proof that flourishing is about connection and values, not just circumstances.
Ways to consistently continue thriving and flourishing
By practicing these key strategies consistently, I’ve transformed my own mornings from heavy and anxious to bright and full of purpose.
1. Recognize and learn from setbacks
Life stages, illness, cravings, skipped workouts—none of these mean you’ve failed. They’re not roadblocks; they’re lessons. Forgive yourself and treat every day as a fresh start. Self-compassion stops you from falling into the trap of guilt and negative self-talk.
2. Play to your strengths and passions
Lean into what you’re naturally good at and what excites you. Use your talents fully, challenge yourself, and celebrate small wins. Each milestone, no matter how small, triggers dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical that fuels steady motivation. When you align your strengths and passions with your daily work, you don’t just succeed, you flourish. Career, relationships, health, and personal growth all benefit when energy flows where your joy is.
3. Manage your energy, health, and fitness
By maximizing your health, fitness, and recovery, you create a life that thrives in every season, even when storms come. The better you care for your body now, the more you can enjoy lasting happiness and keep moving forward.
4. Build meaningful connections
Resolve conflicts with care, show love openly, and find ways to serve others. Positive relationships release oxytocin, known as the “connection hormone,” which helps calm your nervous system and strengthens emotional resilience.
5. Live with purpose
Purpose is the anchor that keeps you steady when life gets messy or your mood takes a dip. It’s what makes your mornings brighter—waking up with a sense of light and direction because you know you’re here to make a difference.
6. Express yourself freely
Expression is an excellent release for the mind and body. It’s not just about sharing joy; it’s about honoring all emotions through art, writing, movement, or music.
Flourishing isn’t a perfect, straight path. It’s a living, breathing process of learning, loving, creating, and caring for yourself and others. The more you practice these habits, the more you wake up feeling truly alive.
