What is the good life?
For each of us, that answer will be somewhat different.
I've been thinking about that today--how can I invest in a good life, and what is a good life to me?
Fortunately, there is little I long for since a good life for me is a simple life. I love getting outdoors in beautiful places, reading a good book, making a delicious meal, and exploring new places. I also enjoy supporting my loved ones in their pursuits and being present when they need me. And, I like to be apart of worthy efforts that create joy, justice and betterment.
So as I look out into the horizon, I am thinking about what I have to do to create this good life I seek--what efforts do I want to invest in.
Relationships
I want to develop my ability to nurture best possible relationships with the many people in my life now and the new people who will enter my life as time goes on. As I think of these relationships, I'll think of the following questions:
- Who are you?
- What positive pursuits are you involved in?
- What do you need, want and desire?
- What do we enjoy doing together?
- How can I be a good friend to you?
For example, one of my most significant relationships right now is the one I enjoy with my mother and father. Their lives have changed a lot in the past ten years so for me to relate well to them, I have to understand who they are in this new chapter and what makes them happy. For starters, I know that they enjoy regular company, good food, a clean home, story telling, sports and nature. To meet these needs and interests, I can visit regularly, cook delicious foods, help out with house chores and create positive activities with other family members. To relate well with them brings all of us joy, and that is positive.
Positive endeavor
Spending your time engaged in activities that lift you up leads to a positive life. For example, simply building and maintaining a garden is a positive pursuit for me. I love watching the garden grow, seeing the beauty of the colorful flowers, and preparing meals with the delicious garden vegetables--it's a positive pursuit. Similarly I love planning celebrations for loved ones and both attending and supporting events my loved ones are involved in. I also enjoy being apart of movements and efforts to create betterment in the community and elsewhere. Being engaged in positive endeavor definitely leads to good living.
Overcoming challenges
We all face challenges, and while the work to overcome those challenges is often overwhelming, the rewards of that work and the achievement of overcoming obstacles are awesome. So to identify challenges and then work to overcome those challenges is part of the good life. Getting expert help and utilizing positive routines are positive ways to move in this direction.
Simplicity
Less things = more time, and more time provides greater opportunity to live the good life you want to live.
Onward.