You have to enjoy life. Always be surrounded by people that you

Hear the luminous words of Sophia Loren, a woman who lived with grace through triumph and trial alike: “You have to enjoy life. Always be surrounded by people that you like, people who have a nice conversation. There are so many positive things to think about.” In these words, there is not merely advice but an ancient melody, a reminder that joy is not a luxury but a necessity, that companionship is not incidental but sacred, and that the mind, when turned to light, can transform the burdens of existence into blessings.

To enjoy life is to embrace it as a gift, fleeting yet precious. Many live as though life were only toil, a burden to be carried from dawn until dusk. Yet Sophia speaks with the wisdom of the ancients who knew that joy strengthens the heart as bread strengthens the body. The Greeks spoke of eudaimonia, the flourishing life, a harmony of duty and delight. The Romans gathered at the table, not merely to eat but to rejoice in the company of friends. To enjoy life is to honor it, for what greater insult to the Creator, or to existence itself, than to scorn the days given to us?

But Loren adds another truth: surround yourself with people you like, people who bring warmth, laughter, and conversation that nourishes the mind. Companionship is the soil in which joy grows. The ancients gathered in the agora, in forums, in temples, not only to debate but to connect, for they understood that the soul cannot thrive in isolation. Just as iron sharpens iron, so the heart is uplifted when surrounded by those whose words inspire, whose presence heals, and whose spirit radiates kindness.

And there are indeed countless positive things to think about, if only the mind is trained to see them. The sunset that sets the sky aflame, the laughter of a child, the resilience of the human spirit, the hope that lives even in ruins—these are treasures waiting to be gathered. Yet the mind often chooses to dwell on shadows, forgetting the abundance of light. Sophia’s wisdom is a call to discipline: to direct the gaze toward positivity, to let the heart feed upon hope instead of despair, and to train thought as one trains the body for strength.

History bears witness to the power of such wisdom. Consider Anne Frank, hidden away in a cramped attic while a world outside tore itself apart in war. Surrounded by fear and uncertainty, she still wrote in her diary: “I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.” Her words echo Sophia’s, for even in darkness she chose to see the positive things, to keep her spirit alive with gratitude and joy. Her story teaches us that the choice of focus determines the endurance of the soul.

The lesson is clear: joy, companionship, and positivity are not trivial things—they are shields against despair, weapons against the weariness of the world. To neglect them is to walk unarmored into life’s battles; to embrace them is to walk with strength, grace, and resilience. Those who choose to enjoy life, to surround themselves with uplifting souls, and to think on positive things become not only survivors but teachers, showing others how to live fully.

Practical steps flow from this ancient wisdom. Seek daily to notice the beauty around you, however small. Gather companions who uplift your spirit, and distance yourself from those who drain it. Fill your conversations with kindness, curiosity, and laughter. And when sorrow comes—as it always will—deliberately turn your mind toward the positive, not to deny hardship, but to endure it with strength. In these small choices lies the making of a great and joyful life.

So remember Sophia Loren’s words: “You have to enjoy life. Surround yourself with those you cherish, engage in nice conversation, and fill your mind with positive things.” This is no mere counsel of comfort, but a way of survival, a way of flourishing, a way of honoring the gift of existence itself. Carry it with you, and you will walk through the storms of life with laughter in your heart, light in your eyes, and joy that cannot be extinguished.