MODULE 6 SECTON 3

Discovering Life’s
Meaning
Prepared by: Ginruth G. Cubelo
 Well- being and
Life’s
Satisfaction
Human beings are naturally inclined to assess their life, reflect
on the choices, and learn lessons from various experiences.

People sometimes engage in unhealthy and negative behaviors

when they feel lost- indulging in vices, being pessimistic and
negative in their worldviews, and isolating themselves from
others.

However, when life is put into perspective and one is able to

see the beauty of the world and the meaning in the things that
he or she does, well-being and life’s satisfaction naturally
flow.

On the other hand, life satisfaction is the contentment one has
with the direction his or her life is going.
When well-being and life satisfaction are present, happiness
naturally flows.

Happiness can be subjective and temporal while life

satisfaction is more encompassing.

Life satisfaction can refer to the desire to change one’s life,

satisfaction with the past, satisfaction with the future, and
significant other’s views of one’s life.

Diener, et al., 1999

Socio economic status, home and social environment,
interpersonal relationships, and education also influence one’s
well-being and life satisfaction.

Engaging in forward thinking (enabling forethought and

planning) and becoming community oriented are only some
of the things that can be done to enhance the over-all quality
of life.

However, well-being and life satisfaction are highly personal

and relative. Similar to personal meanings attributed to and
generated in daily life, how one feels about himself or herself
and the life he or she lives is dependent on how he or she
defines meaningful life.
What are the characteristics of people who have a high level of
well being and life satisfaction? Literature has posited a variety
of equalities associated to such individuals.

Within the context of spiritually, being cognizant of one’s life,

accepting limitations and celebrating strengths, enabling love
and concern for others, and engaging in behaviors that embody
all these will lead one to have well-being and life satisfaction.