When I think about the fact that a life at best is about 100 years; I realize that's not a lot of time. Yet, that's the way it is, and it's up to each of us to make the best of the years we have. "Making the best" will look different for each of us as we all see life and the world a bit differently depending on our experiences, strengths, challenges, circumstances, and the times we live in.
When you think about your "best" life, what is that life like--what does that life include? I think it's a good idea to take time now and then to think about that big question with no holds--let your imagination run wild as you think about what it is that really adds up to a good life for you.
For me, the list never differs much. I write about it again and again, and the repetition probably seems questionable, but I think I have to repeat this list again and again to convince myself that the related work and efforts are worth it. Without the list, I might simply resort to what's comfortable and easy rather than what will add up to what's really important to me.
So what's important to me.
Good-as-possible health
At my age, a number of health concerns begin to creep up. I've seen this happen to all my friends and relatives who are a similar age to me or older. The challenge is to meet those health challenges with positivity and proactivity. Don't just let the health problems get worse, but deal with those issues sooner than later with good doctors, health practices, research, and routines. My 95-year-old dad was very assertive when it cam to his health care and I'm sure that's one factor that helped him reach 95.
Loving relationships
Nurturing best possible relationships with family and friends, relationships that include respect, care, patience, love, and good times.
Warm welcoming home
It was great to have guests at my home this weekend to celebrate my son's bride-to-be. My husband and I have been working to make our home warm and welcoming for family and friends. Our guests appeared to enjoy the environment we created. There's more to do, but essentially our efforts include updating our home in ways that make it simply comfortable, as spacious as possible, and welcoming. As all home owners know, this is a constant challenge since taking care of a home requires steady attention and care.
Adventure
Healthy, positive adventures bring zest to life. I love to look forward to and engage in modest adventures in beautiful, natural places. I'm a bit of a scaredy cat so I'm not a fan of extreme adventures, but a wonderful bike ride, hike, or exploration along a beautiful beach or lake adds up to a wonderful adventure for me, and fortunately since I live in an area with many beautiful, natural areas nearby I don't have to go far for an enjoyable adventure. Upcoming adventures include a Vermont bike ride, a New Hampshire hiking weekend, a Rhode Island beach adventure, and a New York State exploration - perfect!
Good times with family and friends
I love good times with family and friends. I love thinking about what my family and friends enjoy and then working for and with them to create these good times. For example, we're hosting my dad soon for a weekend and I've already started thinking about what we'll do that matches what he enjoys. We'll likely work on the garden together, take some nice drives, enjoy good food, watch movies and visit family and friends. It will be a good time. Other good times with family and friends include playing games, going for walks, sharing meals, exploring museums and gardens, and more.
Contribution
Like most people, I like to help others. It brings me great joy to share my knowledge, gifts, time, and resources with others in ways that help them. Right now I have the opportunity to do that in my part-time tutoring job. I can use the skills and knowledge I gained as an educator for many decades to help students learn. This brings me great satisfaction. Whenever I was sad, my mom would say to me, "Get out and help someone else." She knew that contributing to society in positive ways helps us to forget our own challenges while we focus on the greater world and people we can help. This is a great strategy.
The Arts
I enjoy engaging in the arts by drawing, singing, reading great literature; and enjoying the arts by way of visiting museums, watching films, listening to music, viewing dance, going to the theater and more. The arts fill me up, broaden my perspective, and spur my range of emotions.
Gardening
Working in the garden makes me feel like a spirited, curious child. I love getting out there to see what's growing and what's not. I love the problem solving involved as I nurture my plants and read all bout the many ways that people successfully garden. I also love the fact that I can use what I grow to make beautiful floral displays and wonderful foods.
Travel
I really enjoy a good trip to a far off place now and then. I enjoy planning the adventure as much as the adventure itself.
Celebrations
I love planning and engaging in celebrations for the people I love--I believe it's important to celebrate people's special milestones and accomplishments, and I like to be apart of that.
These are the mainstays of my life--the categories I like to invest in the most. There are lots of categories that my loved ones engage in that I don't spend any or much time in, categories such as surfing, athletic competitions, and athletic games like pickle ball. However, most of my loved ones also have priorities in life similar to me and it's helpful and enjoyable to discuss these priorities and help each other out.
We have at best about 100 years, and it's up to each of us to make the most of the years. Onward.
