optimal human functioning

Our way of functioning in the world is defined by the way we are in various dimensions: our physical body, our relationships with other people, our relation to ourselves, and our personal idea of meaning.

We can develop different levels of knowledge and awareness in each of these dimensions.

Acknowledging and actively taking care of each of these dimensions of experience, will increase wellbeing. It will lead to optimal functioning of the individual we are.

The philosophical framework that describes this way of being in the world is called 'existential philosophy'. It highlights that we have a choice, not in what happens to us, but how we deal with it: we are responsible for our own thoughts and actions.

That is good news, because it means that we have inherent autonomy, which enhances our self-esteem.

By actively dealing with the things in our world that are unchangeable (like change itself, uncertainty, or things that happen to us) we foster self-acceptance and we are able to find our personal meaning in our lives.

#happiness #wellbeing #autonomy #selfsesteem