You Live a Good Life
2 min
"You live a good life," my dear friend's mother always says to us when she visits New York City. I can still recall the first time she uttered those words. It was after an evening of laughter, good food, and soul-warming camaraderie. Her eyes sparkled with pride as she looked at my friend, who had left their working-class hometown at eighteen to pursue a college education and build a life across the country. In that moment, her expression captured the luxuries my friends and I enjoyed. Her words weren't just a compliment; they were a gentle nudge to appreciate the richness of our lives.
My friend's mother's words have made me ponder what truly defines a good life. At first glance, living a good life might seem to be all about the glitz and glamour--luxurious apartments, spontaneous travels, and decadent dinners. However, my friend's mother's words highlighted something far deeper than material comforts and external symbols of success. It was the intangible elements -- our vitality and enthusiasm for life, the ability to make choices and control our own lives, being self-assured, and having meaningful relationships that provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
Amidst our daily grind, it's easy to lose sight of simple luxuries. We dwell on minor inconveniences and yearn for what we lack. But pausing to reflect on the journeys that brought us here can be eye-opening. It's not about boasting or feeling superior; it's about recognizing our unique privileges as thirty-somethings living in the Big Apple.
When my friend's mother was our age, she, like my own mother, was raising a family. While they found joy in motherhood, it often meant sacrificing the freedoms and opportunities we now take for granted.
It's essential to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who paved the way for us. Their resilience and hard work have granted us the freedom to pursue our dreams. And with that freedom comes a responsibility to make the most of every moment—to live with intention and gratitude, cherish enriching connections, and strive for balance and fulfillment.
Indeed, we live a good life. We first and foremost have our health. We have the freedom to chart our own course, pursue our passions, and enjoy meaningful relationships and experiences. For that, I am profoundly grateful.
Pause and reflect on the richness of your life with the MyKume Journal. This “thoughtful and well designed and balanced journal” helps you cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself, make sense of your daily experiences, and increase your overall well-being and life-satisfaction.
(If you've already purchased a journal, thank you! We'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review.)
Sign up for our curated weekly Kume House Musings newsletter with stories and inspiration on life, love, well-being, and much more delivered right to your inbox.