September 25--Living Well

Happiness is not a goal; it's a by-product of a life well lived.  --Eleanor Roosevelt

    There is a similar quote in 12-Step literature: "When we live well, we are well." What does living well, "a life well lived," consist of? 

    Inner peace and sanity. There's so much going on in our world that pulls me off center. So much of it makes me crazy. I know I have a fountain of peace within me that overcomes "outside me" if I stay focused on that peace. I am taking a long break from news and Facebook. With all that's going on in my own life, I simply can't handle any more from "the world" and stay sane. 

    Good relationships. I have those. They come from living in integrity, being true to the values I hold dear. I interact with folks as my real self, without need to justify or apologize for my existence. I appreciate the people in my life and I tell them so. I make amends when I slip up. I am grateful for all the love in my life, flowing in both directions. 

    Creativity. We all create our own experiences of life. While there are occasional low spots, I can genuinely say "I love my life." I have always been creative in arts and crafts. It makes me happy to create something new, be it a crocheted blanket or barn quilt painting. Imagination is a powerful tool of a life well lived. 

    Usefulness. This can come from satisfying work, being a volunteer, managing a family and household, whatever gives that feeling of being of service in some way. I do a variety of things in my "work" life, but I enjoy them all so much, they are not work. It's fun to be useful in an assortment of ways. 

    Fit spiritual condition. I have a daily spiritual practice that supports my inner peace and sanity. I maintain an ongoing dialogue with my Higher Power. I support myself and others with prayer. That emptiness inside that I once tried to fill with food is now the residing place of Spirit--a fullness that I could never have imagined in my active-addiction days. 

    Being teachable. I am willing and excited to learn. While it can be challenging, I strive to keep an open mind. I love exploring all that is "Leta." I especially love learning about our magnificent planet Earth and all the life and nature upon it. When I think about my many vocations, I see that all of them have huge learning potential (taxes, yoga, Melt, coaching), which is one of the things that make those activities so enjoyable. 

    Enough from me. What is the meaning of "a life well lived" for you?

        Leta 

 

"I am Universe"