Everyone wants to live a good life. I think it’s a great idea. Not only is it possible, I think we can begin to create it now. For me, a good life is about integrity, values, service, and purpose. It’s less to do with fancy belongings and material riches, although I do have a combination of both.
Tammy Strobel from Rowdy Kittens is an amazing example of how to live the good life. She has given up all fancy belongings and material riches and she volunteers her time, talent, and a portion of her income to those who are in need. Some may think she’s a bit extreme. Her lifestyle doesn’t appeal to everyone. I admire the lifestyle Logan and Tammy have chosen.
Also, Leo Babauta has a new book, The Effortless Life, I purchased it Friday and I'll post an interview with Leo soon. I see Leo as the guy who continues to reign in those of us who try too hard and complicate life. If I put into practice 1/4 of what he advises, I would float through life!
Even though I’ll never be as simple they are, I can learn from their lifestyles.
We can all begin to make both internal and external changes. My emphasis today is on the internal changes involved in living a good life.
Tips for Living the Good Life:
- Let go of fearful imaginings.
- Look for the best in people.
- Seek for opportunities to be more loving.
- Believe in someone who doesn’t believe in himself.
- Look for beauty in the ordinary.
- Tell someone that you love them.
- Create one good habit in the next 30 days.
- Go out of your way to help somebody.
- Read spiritual material.
- Notice and appreciate synchronicity.
- Admit when you are wrong.
- Realize how important you are to someone.
- Pray for an understanding heart.
- Send blessings to everyone.
- Celebrate an accomplishment.
- Adopt honesty as a personal practice.
- Ask someone for what you want or need.
- Track your spending.
- Walk through a bad mood.
- Pay attention to what is holding you hostage.
- Mindfully eat an apple.
- Forgive yourself for something.
- Appreciate your life as it is today.
- Breathe through a fear.
- Call someone and offer to make amends.
- Commit to being polite and patient.
- Get comfortable with speaking your truth.
- Be kind.
- Donate your time, talent, and money.
- Send a hand written thank you note.
- Ask for support, be willing to receive assistance.
- Do something out of your comfort zone.
- Go outside and play.
- Plan a day trip with a friend.
- Take an electronics free day.
- Think, write, and speak gratitude and appreciation.
- Visit someone who is lonely.
- Spend time doing nothing.
- Find ways to touch and allow others to be touched.
- Establish a healthy diet, eat more green and less white.
- Practice good posture.
- Listen to your favorite music.
- Set an intention to enjoy your day.
- Listen to your intuition.
- Do something that sparks your creativity.
- Create a weekend retreat for yourself.
- Keep an open mind about a situation.
- Look for proof that the world is a generous place.
- Have faith in yourself and in your purpose.
- Support another person’s dreams today.
- Expect that others will always be there for you.
- Give recognition to your friends.
- Remember sometimes it’s better to not get what you want.
- Opt for happiness.
- Put your energy in the here and now.
- Choose to make the best of a difficult situation.
- Change the story you tell yourself.
- Give yourself a lot of room for growth.
- Have faith that any difficulty you have can change in the blink of an eye.
- Dare to turn your life around by heading in a new direction.
- Enjoy your wonderful life.
What are your ideas about the good life? Please share with us below.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Tess,
61 Fantastic offerings…….topped off by No 61 of course…….we truly have wonderful lives when we allow.
be good to yourself
David
David,
Yes it’s all wonderful the good and the difficult…the ups and the downs.
Dear Tess,
Practical, concise and valuable list as always!
#36 of gratitude and appreciation really sticks out for me – as I base my life on this foundation. And in general, aside from conscious living, my ideas of a good life include balancing or bringing into conscious harmony the triad of our being – our mind, body and soul.
p.s. Thank you for the link love! I appreciate you and am super grateful for you and all that you do for self, community and our world
Evita´s last post…The Importance of Living Your Truth
Evita,
We can’t go wrong with gratitude and appreciation as a foundation. And you’re welcome.
Hi Tess,
61 Tips – you’re amazing.
I love them all. I doubt I could come up with 25!
#34 is my favorite!
xoxo,
Angela
Angela Artemis/Poweredbyintuition´s last post…There is Always Harmony Within
Angela,
Call someone and make amends…no. 25 it’s a matter of letting go of our ego and getting into the flow of love. We resist but when we do it the rewards are many as we know.
Great list. I especially like #19 (Walk through a bad mood) and #32 (Do something out of your comfort zone). This list will be printed and posted next to my computer. Thanks, Tess.
I didn’t know Leo had a new book, but will certainly check it out.
Bob Lowry´s last post…Social Security: Help Me Decide!
Bob,
The Effortless Life is the name of his new book. Thanks for your support!
Tess – Thanks for the kind words! You’re sweet.
NICE post!
Tammy,
I’m just stating facts;) You’re one in a million.
Hi Tess,
Love your list of ways to live the good life. “Appreciate your life as it is today.” jumped out at me, and I’m planning to spend some time with a friend today. Thanks for another amazing post!!
Cathy,
Those are the best kind of days…with friends you love. Make it great!
Of course, I was slouched over the desk when I got to #41 about practicing good posture! Okay, I’m sitting up straight now! Ha! Great list. Thanks.
Galen Pearl´s last post…Common Senses
Hi Tess,
This is an excellent and very comprehensive list, maybe even overwhelming since it is so long and there are so many things to choose from. I would advise people to go over the list, select 10-15 ideas that speak the most to them, and then implement one idea per day. And then repeat each one until it becomes a new habit. Another idea is to review your list daily so you don’t lose track of the things that can contribute the most to your well-being.
For me, living the good life is about honoring and supporting my core values. This means being able to keep learning and developing myself, but also utilize my gifts and find ways to share my knowledge and experience with others.
Thanks,
Yuval
Hi Tess,
Finding a sense a meaning, doing things we enjoy and give us pleasure, and really engaging in moment are all a part of living the good. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful suggestions on how to do this! Also, thanks for sharing that Leo has a new book. I look forward to the interview as well.
Joe Wilner´s last post…10 Key Truths to Living a Thriving Life
“Underpromise and over-deliver.” That’s something you do really well, Tess.
I loved the first five – they hit home as things I’ve either caught myself doing lately, or could do more of.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Stunningly simple yet amazingly powerful life liberating list Tess, if anyone was going to collate it, it was you! For me the clue is in the title – good. Good company, good attitude, good food, good friends, good love, and good manners make many a life and help you have a good time. Good God, there’s the meaning of life, goodness is wellness, yes?
John Sherry´s last post…How To Bounce Back From A Crushing Defeat
Awesome list, Tess – I think each item on it could be a post in and of itself!
Thanks for getting me thinking
TAJNA
Tanja´s last post…Wednesday Wishcasting: wishing to let go of self-doubt?
Dearest Sweet, Lovely Tess.
I love you more than ever!!
So good to be over here again. You continue to inspire and uplift.
So many awesome reminders here, but let me tell you a couple of my favorites…
Sitting up straighter here at the library now — practicing good posture. And sucking in my abs a bit too. Wonderful reminder!
Visit someone who is lonely. I must know some one! But who? Maybe call someone I have not in a while can do.
Weekend retreat — nice idea!!
xoxoxo
Jannie Funster´s last post…To Dad On His 75th Birthday — in 55 words, or so….
My #1 is keeping my mouth shut and listening better. “Keeping ones mouth closed and being thought a fool is better than opening your mouth and removing all doubt” unk.
Love everything about your site and you! Thanks and God bless. Goddess too
Thanks Jennifer. I appreciate you! xo
Tess,
I so love your lists. They are wonderful, thought provoking and always give something that can be done right now to make others feel good, as well as yourself feel good.
You’ve also listed some wonderful people and what they do here. I know of them all and agree. However, there is one missing from the list that might be difficult to list when writing it yourself, so I will take it upon myself to add to it.
YOU.
I’ve been following your stuff, reading how you are. Your contribution to others is huge.
A sincere Mahalo.
Jt Clough | Big Island Dog´s last post…Healing Properties of Pumpkins for You and Your Dog
Jt,
You are so kind. I accept your compliment and remain grateful. xo
Dear Tess,
Wonderful and inspiring tips. Another tip I would add is to accept yourself as you are.
Hi Tess,
Life is sometimes having downs. If someone going through such bad experience, it’s hard to think of this 61 tips. But for others yes it’s wonderful..
Thanks!
Sasanka
Reply
being thankful for the little things in life goes a long way.
because every practice becomes a habit and being thankful is a good habit to practice, if you want to live well.
Reply
I realy love our tips about life…..thanks a lot
Reply