What Makes a Good Life?

“If you were going to invest now in your future best self, where would you put your time and your energy?” 

It will be a total lie if you say you’ve never worried about the future. I mean, who hasn't? Fear is part of life’s blueprint. It’s either you walk the path and work it out, or downright quit and exit. These choices truly affect the quality of life that we make.

About two weeks ago, I watched a talk about making a “good life”. Yep, Ted talks are my versions of self-help books. Anyway, it makes me wonder how other people perceive a good, happy, and healthy life. Growing up, we probably have heard enough of the importance of working hard and earning hard to be able to get a good life.

If we could only watch someone’s life unfold in front of us and instantly know what makes a person happy or even happier, we’d probably subscribe to that. But no, we’re not bound to have the same life.

Interestingly, Robert Waldinger, the speaker, is part of a rare study of adult life where the lives of 724 men are tracked for more than 70 years. Year after year, their life stories are collected including their health, work, home lives, and more. Today, only 60 of the original 724 are still alive and more than 2000 of their children are now also participating in the study. 

Unbelievable, right? The results? Not so surprising to me but still satisfying because it is backed up by a formal study. I am just fascinated by these kinds of research.

Results show that good relationships keep us happier and healthier. The more we are socially connected, the better it is for us because loneliness kills. And evidently, people who have better social connections tend to live longer. But those who have good relationships have not always had it good. That’s for sure. 

Also, the quality of our relationships matters. How many friends do you have? Well, uh that doesn’t matter. Lastly, results show that good relationships don’t just protect our bodies but our brains too. 

I don’t think we travel life so smoothly all the time. There may be bumps and holes. There may be fears and failures. But remember, studies show that life is built with good relationships.

This can be with your partner, friends, and family. But most importantly, a good relationship with yourself.