What does it mean to live a full life? How do we do that? This is a particularly challenging question given the current news related to the senseless carnage in Ukraine, mad massacres across the United States, greedy political leaders and the worldwide problems related to homelessness, climate crisis, poverty and hunger. What can you do amidst these issues and the personal struggles you may face as well. How do you live a full life?
I think a lot about that since there's so much that I enjoy in life and I see so much potential for good living everywhere I look. As I think of this question today, I am aware of these elements that lead to good living.
Simplicity
There's a lot of unnecessary objects in life, and to avoid those objects is to have a simpler, better life. Less things definitely leads to better living, yet there are some objects that truly lift life. Those objects differ from person to person, but it's good to identify the 10-20 objects that really help you to live a full and good life. For me, those objects including cooking supplies, my bike, my home and my computer.
Relationships
Do what you can to build and nurture the kind of relationships that fill you up. This is a give-and-take activity that requires regular recalibration. Who are the people that you enjoy the most and the people that you love to love, take care of, and spend time with? What can you do for those people? How can you strengthen those relationships, and what new relationships do you want to build at this point in your life. People, so much more than objects, bring life meaning.
Natural World
Finding ways to enjoy and preserve the natural world brings life fullness. Nature has a lot to teach us and give to us, and the more we can protect the natural world around us, the better our lives will be.
Good Times
Finding ways to enjoy life gives our lives strength. There are countless, creative ways to enjoy life via the arts, sport, adventure, creativity, games and more. Discover the positive ways that bring you joy and partake in those endeavors regularly.
Contribute
Giving to others and the greater community brings great satisfaction and helps to spread the good possible.
Take Care of Self
We know so much about how to care for ourselves, and to do that gives you a better chance to live a good life.
Problem Solve
The despair in life is typically the result of problems that can be solved. Look for ways to work with others to solve the problems that hold us back from best possible living. Right now, we know that it's ridiculous that Americans can own assault weapons that lead to carnage--there's no reason why these guns of war are readily available in the United States, and we know that the reason these deadly guns are available is that some Americans put their wealth, power, pleasure and greed ahead of good living for all. We need to vote out leaders like this and promote laws that make these guns illegal. We also need to support initiatives that help those in society that turn to violence. As an educator, I know that greater support for families, schools and the environment is one way to counter this deadly violence.
Living a full life is a good aim, and while it's unlikely that we'll achieve all that we desire, when we aim our life ship towards best possible living, we'll certainly experience some great joy along the way. Onward.