Living the Good Life by Tina Y. Gerber

What does living the good life actually mean? We all have our own definition, concept, or understanding, of the good life. The good life, to me, is based on being compassionate, performing good deeds (paying it forward), striving to reach the goals you set for yourself, and the legacy you leave behind for family and friends. The biggest reward is to honour and glorify God. God tells us He sent His son, Jesus, not so we may just have a life, but that we may have life to the fullest! Why settle for anything less? I will admit I am not one of those individuals who jumps out of bed every morning, excited to take on the day! I do, however, understand the best things in life are free. Life’s greatest pleasures, for me, are listening to the rain, snuggling under the warm blankets on a cold day, enjoying my morning tea, reading a good book (especially the Bible), the smell of fresh cut grass, the giggles of my grandchildren, and spending time with the people I love. My list goes on and on. Life’s greatest and simplest pleasures can only be grasped if your mind is consciously and actively aware. So, rather than demand or expect the people around you to change, focus on changing yourself! Self examination, not just your actions, but inwardly searching the reasons or point in time those demanding behaviours started, is a good practice. Even more so, when you bring those things to God, by praying, and ask Him to show you about them, He will often reveal the inner conflict pushing you to be demanding, and, as you read His word, along with that prayer, Christ can impart the ability to change inside. Every day is a new adventure, a chance to discover and learn something new, to become the person you wish to be, the person God designed you to be. It is important to keep inquiring and exploring all the possibilities open to you. Don’t focus on what you don’t have, focus on what you do have. Be spontaneous and step outside your comfort zone. Be present in each and every moment, it will make you happier and you’ll find inspiration along the way. Remember that every negative setback or outcome holds a positive lesson. Keep in mind those lessons are the key to greatness, apply those lessons moving forward. Stop taking life so seriously and realize that when you’re uncomfortable, laughter can definitely be the best medicine! Live every day as a fresh start. Life is short, so live in the present moment. Don’t think about what you can’t change, focus on the things you can change, then act on it. Your life is something to be experienced and celebrated. Spend your time and energy on things that bring you happiness and fulfillment. When you give, you’ll find that you receive a lot more in return. As the saying goes, “Giving is it’s own reward.” Living the good life, your best life, requires you to maximize yourself, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 says, “Charge them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”