The Good Life

What does the "good life" look like to you? Is it wealth? Fame? A beautiful house? A sports car? Designer purses and clothes?

For many, these are the markers of a life well-lived, and it's easy to see why. Up until a few years ago, I thought the same thing.

I was always searching for something… the next degree, the perfect career, awards and accolades, a red Mercedes convertible, a two-story house with a white picket fence, a loving and devoted husband, and two healthy, beautiful kids.

We live in a world that constantly equates success with material abundance and social clout. There is a very narrow view of what a good life looks like, and my life looks nothing like “the good life” according to this world’s standards. But I do have “the good life.”

Yes, single, childless, jobless disabled me. I am living ‘the good life.” For me, the "good life" is something far deeper and more enduring.

It’s not about having everything but about being content with what you have. It’s not about standing in the spotlight but about walking in the light of grace.

________________________________________

Defining the Good Life

For me, the good life begins with staying in a state of grace—a place where my heart is open to God and His presence is my anchor. It’s about the quiet strength that comes from a clean conscience and the joy of knowing I am loved unconditionally.

I ain’t mad at nobody.

I don’t have any drama or dissension in my life, no guilt or shame to carry.

Nobody is abusing or mistreating me.

I have immeasurable peace.

The good life is also about manifesting the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. I can be a bit impulsive with money, and I struggle with self-control when it comes to eating healthy and being disciplined with lifestyle choices. Nobody is perfect, but I do possess and share a lot of love, joy, peace, kindness, and gentleness.

Beyond faith, the good life is rooted in relationships—those deep, meaningful bonds that make the world feel less heavy. It’s the laughter shared with loved ones, the healing power of a kind word, and the unspoken understanding between close friends.

I am not married. Oh, I do still wish I were married, but I am okay single. I have learned to find contentment in this single life and find intimacy and connection in non-romantic relationships. It’s not the same, of course, but it will do until God sees fit to change it.

________________________________________

Faith at the Core

At the heart of my vision of the good life is my relationship with God. There’s a profound peace that comes from walking in step with Him, even when the world feels chaotic. But staying in a state of grace isn’t always easy. It requires effort, reflection, and humility.

I’ve found that prayer, Scripture reading, attending mass, receiving the Eucharist and other sacraments of the Church, and quiet moments of gratitude keep me centered. And when I falter—and I do—I’m reminded that grace isn’t something I earn; it’s a gift I receive.

________________________________________

The Beauty of Simple Joys

For me, the good life also lies in the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Sitting on my porch on a quiet morning. A dog curled up at my feet. A sweet breeze blowing. Birds gracing me with a song. The sound of rain against the window. These simple joys give me great contentment and joy.

I don’t need a mansion but I appreciate being safe and comfortable. For the first time ever, I have invested effort into making my home a comfortable space full of beauty and personality. It’s an atmosphere that brings me comfort and inspires creativity and peace in me.

I’ve learned to find beauty in the ordinary, to laugh often, and to appreciate the people and places that make life feel warm and inviting. A comfortable home, a burst of creativity, or a shared meal can bring just as much fulfillment as grand achievements.

________________________________________

Purpose and Service

Finally, the good life is about purpose. I believe we’re all called to use our gifts in service to others, and for me, that’s through teaching, writing, and inspiring others to see their worth. My life’s work has always been to bring “salt and light” to the world—a mission rooted in faith and fueled by love.

When I see someone encouraged by something I’ve written or hear a former student say that something I taught them helped them in some way, I feel that sense of alignment. I feel like I am doing what I was born to do. Purpose isn’t just about what we do but how we do it—with integrity, compassion, and joy.

________________________________________

An Invitation to Reflect

For me, the good life isn’t about accumulating things or accolades—it’s about living with purpose, grace, and love.

What about you? What does the good life look like to you? Is it something you’re already living, or does it feel just out of reach? I encourage you to take a moment to reflect:

• What brings you the most joy and peace?

• How do you nurture your relationship with God, others, and yourself?

• What’s one small change you could make today to align your life with your vision of the "good life"?

The good life isn’t found in chasing perfection. It’s in embracing the beauty of who you are and where you are, trusting that grace will meet you in every moment.