They say hindsight is 20/20, and it’s true. When you’re young, you’re a whirlwind of dreams and ambitions. Your “good existence” looks a lot like fame, a perfect house, or endless exciting experiences.
Then, life happens. There are triumphs and celebrations, yes, but there’s heartache too. Loved ones lost, disappointments, moments when the whole world just felt heavy.
After enough of these ups and downs, you start to see things differently.
Key Takeaways
- There’s no single definition of a good life. It’s an individual journey influenced by your unique experiences and the values you cherish.
- Faith means different things to different people. It could be a formal religion, a quiet belief in goodness, or simply the enduring strength of the human spirit.
- External accomplishments alone don’t bring lasting happiness. True contentment comes from within – a sense of purpose, love, and inner peace.
- Life is full of challenges. A good existence isn’t about avoiding all hardships, but about building the resilience and perspective to weather those storms.
So what makes a life truly good?
I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve had my share of ups and downs. Like many, I’ve chased the illusion of happiness through external means.
The thrill of a new experience, the fleeting satisfaction of achievement…they’re fun while they last, but ultimately, they leave you wanting more.
Pleasure is the beginning and the end of living happily
Epicurus
Perhaps in moderation, but an existence built solely on seeking pleasure leaves a bitter aftertaste.
What lingers, what really sticks to your ribs, are the quiet moments of profound connection – laughing with your family around the dinner table, the relief of a loved one after a health crisis is past, the deep comfort of a faith that sees you through dark times.
I guess you could call me an accidental Aristotelian. That philosophy of reaching your potential, living in alignment with your best nature, resonates deeply now.
I’m no saint, far from it, I still swear and say and do bad things, but I try to focus on kindness when it matters, I fight for what I think is right, and I keep working on bettering myself a little at a time.
There’s a satisfaction in that – an inner peace – that no fleeting material success ever brought me.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t subscribe to the idea that suffering automatically builds character. It doesn’t.
Unmet basic needs, lack of safety and love… that wears you down, breaks you. A good existence, the foundation of it all, must include those fundamentals. Food, a roof over your head, feeling safe, and knowing you have people in your corner.
But what’s the use of a full stomach and a warm bed if your soul is empty? It’s why those existentialists have a point, even if theirs can be a bleak outlook.
Life, on its own, might not be that meaningful. It’s up to us to infuse it with meaning. For me, that’s where God comes in. Maybe it’s not about doctrines and rigid rules, but the simple belief in a loving power larger than yourself, a reason to keep striving to be better even when it’s hard.
It’s what keeps the light on when you stumble, when in doubt pray. Especially when you’re dealing with loved ones and have conflicts with other people. Sometimes you just have to love even those who hate you and turn the other cheek like Jesus said.
I suppose I see a good existence like a sturdy old oak tree. Your roots are the essentials: the soil of a secure home and family, the life-giving water of faith.
The strong trunk is about growing into the best version of yourself. The branches extend outwards, finding purpose, connecting with your community, giving back however you can. It won’t be perfect.
There will be storms that blow off some leaves, drought years that test your resolve.
But a good existence, a truly good life, is one that bends but doesn’t break, reaching always towards the sun.
The Essential Ingredients of a Good Existence
- Meaning and Purpose: Find something larger than yourself that fuels your drive and gives your life direction.
- Connection: Cultivate strong bonds with family, friends, and a supportive community. Love and belonging are essential.
- Responsibility: Nurture a sense of control over your own life – make choices, set goals, and take action.
- Growth: Embrace lifelong learning, step outside your comfort zone, and keep developing your knowledge and skills.
- Contribution: Give back in your own way, big or small. Help others, support a cause, and leave your mark on the world.
- Self-Acceptance: Know yourself, accept your strengths and weaknesses, and practice self-compassion.
Remember, a good existence is a continuous work in progress. Be kind to yourself, savor the simple joys, and never stop searching for what makes your soul truly sing.
