Facing Challenge
As I consider our best possible lives, I want to deal with the challenge first. The challenge is to weather the storms in life with as much positivity as possible. We all face grave challenges, challenges that include loss, limits, and inadequacy. These challenges are often out of our control, but we have to find some way to deal with them with as much positive energy as possible. This year the challenges for me and others included the loss of loved ones. In our lives, those losses included Uncle Norman, Aunt Helen, and our friends' son, Garrett Haydon. Friends and family members had significant losses including Ruth's mom and Peggy''s mom. Challenges also include the challenges our loved ones face--challenges including job loss, health issues, relationship changes, loneliness/isolation, financial challenges and dissatisfaction. As much as possible we need to help our friends and communities in ways that we can. For me, the best way I can think of to meet the challenges life hands you is to figure out how you can best deal with the challenge with respect to the good life you hope to live for yourself and others--finding helpful resources by way of good friends, counselors, health professionals, research, and forward thinking helps a lot. Too often, people are reluctant to seek out the resources that can offer support.
Value-driven live
Focusing on values you believe in helps you to live a good life. Even though those values may be challenged from time to time, you won't regret living a value-driven life. Making time to think about your values and revise or strengthen those values when needed helps in this regard.
Prioritize
Just recently I connected with a friend who apologized for not having time to get together. I responded with the mantra, "Family First." This friend didn't. have time because her work and family are all-consuming right now. I know what that's like and I had no problem with my friends' busyness. I honor her commitment to her profession and her family. Life is often very busy, and when it's busy, you have to prioritize about what's most important to you now and into the future.
Know what you love
Knowing what and who you love most helps you to direct your life in those directions. For example, I love simple adventures at the beach and in the forests and mountains--that makes me happy. I also love spending time with those I love most. When I plan my time to include adventure and those I love, I have a pretty good chance of living a good life.
Do the hard work
Sometimes the hard work of life is overwhelming, but if you push yourself forward in this regard, you will be happy that the work is done and you've accomplished something of merit. That said, sometimes when the work is too difficult, it may be that the work is not right for you and it could be time to make some positive changes.
Live beneath your means
A smart relative offered me this advice long ago, and it is very good advice because it can help you to avoid financial struggles.
Acknowledge the good times
We can become bogged down by life's challenges, and that's why it's a good idea to take a photo or write a page about life's good times regularly. When I put together the little video above, I realized that 2025 was personally a good year with so much to be grateful for even though politically the year was very difficult since our current leadership does not operate with humane vision or actions that help us all to live good lives.
Generosity and contribution
My mom always preached generosity and contribution, and she was right. When we do for others, we actually improve our own lives.
Onward.
