Living a good life

Living a good life is not about accumulation,  it’s about appreciation. To appreciate means to recognize the quality or significance of something. Appreciate who you are, what you can contribute, the blessings you have, and the people you know. Appreciate the opportunities that come your way and the joy in little things. Hindsight says you can even appreciate the challenges that cause you to grow and become.

A good life is about perspective and balance. You don’t have to do it all, but you should do all you can, whenever you can. 

It’s vital to recognize and honor your connection to God. Don’t neglect spirituality, embrace it. You are uniquely created by God. Seek Him out and discover His plan for your life. Study His Word and learn His way of thinking and doing. Adjust your thoughts and actions to align with His teaching. He gave it to you to be blessed and to be a blessing.

The world needs your talents and abilities.  No one is truly happy or blessed unless they are doing something productive, something that justifies getting up in the morning and making an effort. It’s not about a paycheck, although you need that. It’s about seeing what you can do, how you can help, and where you fit into the scheme of seedtime and harvest. It’s not good to always be a taker. You won’t feel good about yourself until you find a way to give your productivity and passion to the world around you.

Make people your focus and not stuff. You need friends and family to live a full and good life. When God created man, he also made woman so the man would have someone to relate to, care for and fellowship with. God desired relationship with His family, and He knew the Adam would need that also. Don’t alienate yourself from people. Stay in touch. Get together. Share life’s experiences. Isolation is punishment; stay connected.

Go and do and see and participate in life’s experiences, for the joy, learning, and expansion it brings. Do it all or as much as you can. Every experience expands your horizons and your thinking. Don’t miss them, embrace them!

Don’t be a sourpuss or take yourself too seriously. God sprinkles small blessings and big ones throughout your day just to see you smile! He wants you to enjoy your life. Find ways to do just that. Walk in the sun. Play music. Dance around your living room! If it makes you smile, do it more often. Choose to be joyful, regardless of the circumstances. Don’t let the ‘stuff’ get to you. 

You know the things that you can’t control anyway. People and circumstances that crop up in your life to challenge and frustrate your plans and desires. Understand that some things are not going to go your way. Don’t let it throw you, mentally or emotionally. Breathe. Release all of it to the universe, to the God who told you to cast your care on Him. If you can’t change it (and that includes the dumb stuff you did), don’t let it change you. Banish guilt. Forgive. Let go. Be free.