When transition and change occur, we are prompted to ask ourselves, How can I live the good life? What can I do?
People define the "good life" in countless ways--there's no one definition about what it means to live a good life. We all have to define that for ourselves, and from time to time we will grapple with that definition.
Since I've encountered a large number of changes and transitions in my life and the lives of those closest to me lately, I am thinking about that question: What constitutes a good life?
A friend of mine seems to have a good recipe. She's a woman who has encountered more tragedy than most of us in life, and yet she lives a good life. What does she do?
Essentially, her life includes the following elements:
- time for self care
- positive associations
- commitment to family and community
- contribution to society
- curiosity
- lifelong learning
- flexibility
- open mindedness
- acceptance
- willingness to embrace new adventures, opportunities, associations
As I consider this woman's life, it is easy to see that she holds tight to her values and beliefs in life while updating as she learns and experiences life anew. I will think of this woman as I chart new territory in the days to come. Onward.