If I summed up my life, I'd say I've lived my life much like a treasure hunt as I'm always looking for ways of good living. I remember the very moment and place when and where this search began. I was standing outside of a little white church in our neighborhood on my way to or from my good friends' neighborhood about a half mile from my house. I was thinking about people and places, and decided right there and then I wanted to live a good life. So, since that day when I was about ten years old, I've been on a hunt for what makes a good life and I'm still searching today about 50 years later. I've definitely made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I've also collected some valuable lifeways too.
Polite speak
It took me a long time to recognize that no matter what message you want to convey, you can do that with polite, honest speak and gestures. As many wise people say, there's no need for harsh, harmful, hateful words--we can convey our messages with polite speak.
Inclusivity
Leaving people out in hurtful ways is never a good idea. Of course there will be times when invitations and space are limited, but in general, to be inclusive is a good way to live.
Don't judge, project, or conjecture
When you judge, project, or conjecture rather than actually talk to people and find out the truth of the matter, you create a lot of problems. It is best to work with people and figure out the truth of the matter. Judgement, projection, and conjecture obstruct the good possible.
Research and learn
In today's world, we can learn almost anything via a quick search online or a video tutorial. Thanks to the Internet, information is only a finger tip and tech device away. So when you don't know, find out.
Dream
Make time to dream. Envision the life you want and solutions to problems and challenges you face. Making time to dream and working for your dreams leads to a happy life.
Give into the pain and learn from it
There are painful episodes in everyone's life. It's best to give into it, learn from it, and when possible, move forward.
Self discipline and sacrifice matter
While living a life that's all work and no play definitely makes you a dull person, it is best to have a good sense of self discipline and the ability to sacrifice at times in order to save up time, energy, or greater capacity for betterment of all kinds.
Contribution builds capacity and clarity
Make time regularly to contribute the best of who you are and what you can do to others. That will build your capacity for living a good life and clarity about what really matters.
Befriend nature
Making time to be outdoors in beautiful natural settings is an awesome teacher--make time for that.
Know yourself
Each of us is a unique set of attributes--know who you are, what makes you happy, and where you want to go in life. To know yourself is a lifelong journey, and the better we know ourselves, the happier we will be in life.
Forgive
People will hurt us, betray us, and let us down. Forgive them.
Respect yourself and respect others
Don't let people take advantage of you and don't take advantage of others. Respect yourself by expecting others to treat you with care and kindness. Do the same for others.
Seek natural beauty and joy
Find natural beauty as that inspires the best of you. Seek experiences, people, and places that fill you with joy as that will give you needed zest for living.
Humility is a strength
No one has the monopoly on truth, capcity, knowledge, or ability. We are all both large and small at the same time, knowing and unknowing. Recognize that we need each other, and be humble in the way you live and speak.
Expertise is a strength
To become an expert in any valuable skill or knowledge area, is a great strength that you are able to use to help others and connect to others.
Find what you love to do
Seek the activities that truly excite you and make you happy. Find others that share those interests, grow your skills in those areas and engage in what you like to do often.
Basic needs make for a good life
Adequate rest, nutritious food, a welcoming home, good health and steady education care translate to a good life.
Set the stage for success
Create an environment for yourself that includes the objects, activities, and routines that lead to a successful, happy life.
Don't be afraid to ask for help
When you are broken in any way, find the people and places that can help you heal, get better, and become strong.
Less things, more time
We don't need a lot of things to be happy. In fact, too many objects deter us from the kinds of time and places that lead to the greatest joy. Choose the objects you own carefully, and don't own too many objects.
Give things away
Give most of what you own away to others who need it or want it more than you.
Create
Making things brings you knowledge, skill, and happiness.
See the promise in the problem
We will all have problems, and to be able to see the promise that problems hold will lead you to a happier, better life for yourself and others.
Share your good news
Too many people are shy about sharing your good news, but when you share your good news in respectful, genuine ways, you spread both your happiness and the avenues to happiness to others. This makes for a happier world.
Speak up and work against injustice of any kind
There is never a good reason for injustice. Work against injustice in any way that you can. Always have people's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as your focal point. There's enough to go around to enable people to live good lives, but it takes our advocacy for justice to make that happen.
Make time to adventure, play, and explore
Life is often hard work, but we'll only be able to do that hard work if we also make time to adventure, play, and explore.
You become the people you spend time with
Be cautious about the people you spend time with--don't waste your time with people that don't inspire the best you can be and care about you. There's lots of people in this world, seek to be around the people that make you the best you can be.
Compassion and empathy are super powers
Always make time to listen and understand life from another person's point of view. Be empathetic and compassionate to people's challenges, needs, mistakes, and struggle--that creates greater strength and capacity for all.
Work together
Sometimes we are strong on our own, but if we learn to work well as teams, our strength will magnify and this is the key to solving the greater problems, challenges, and opportunities we face.
Love
If you live and act with love, you will live a good life. It's that simple.