When I celebrated my 21st birthday on this platform, one of the questions I have asked for the writing contest I organized was, "What for you is a Good Life?"
This question was asked to us by our Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Professor when I was still in my first year in college. This was given to us as an assignment and we had to answer it based on our own preferences.
I can't remember the exact answer I had back then, but it was probably living a life where we have a better and more comfortable house, we have a car that we can use whenever we want to travel somewhere, we have a business that gives us a good amount of profits every day, and we don't have to worry about where to get money for our expenses because we are wealthy. Basically, my idea of having a Good Life back then was still too shallow because I thought that those who possess these material things are the ones who are only living a good life- the "Dream Life".
I don't want to sound like a hypocrite here because a part of me is also craving for that kind of life, which is probably the reason I've been working hard day and night through these years.
I also want to live in a bigger mansion or a 2-storey house where there is a guest room, garage, balcony, and a wide garden. I also want to drive my own car and be my own boss managing my own business. I also want to have a seven to an eight-digit bank account. I want to have the freedom to travel wherever and whenever I want to. This is the "Dream Life" that I imagine to be a "Good Life".
However, whenever I analyze this, I end up with a conclusion that this is just a 'Dream' and not a 'Reality'.
Everything gets mixed up in my thoughts that I often overlook the fact that I'm already living a good life even if it's still far from having the dream life.
I am already living a Good Life because we have a house that protects us from strong rain and typhoons. Even if it's not as huge as the dream mansion I want it to be, it still gives us comfort in one way or another. We have a soft bed that gives us a comfortable sleep, while others are still homeless and living under the bridges and along the streets. We have food on our table that fills our empty tummy. We get to eat three to five times a day, while some still have to beg for food just to fight hunger and thirst.
I am already living a Good Life because I still have my parents and sibling while others already lost their loved ones. I may be sometimes irritated whenever they are fighting, but that is proof that they are still alive and breathing. We may not be rich to afford to eat in a fine-dining restaurant every time, but we are still blessed that we get to dine in a restaurant and celebrate when there is a special occasion.
I am already living a Good Life because I am surrounded by a few but real friends whom I know I can always count on. We get to have fun once in a while and create beautiful memories together. We get to enjoy the moment while still being responsible for our future.
I am already living a Good Life because I live in Pagudpud and this place is abundant with captivating sceneries that others are probably dreaming of. We have a beautiful white-sand beach that is just 10 to 20 minutes away from our house and we can visit it whenever we want to. We have long waterfalls, green mountains and tall trees, hills and valleys, and amazing resorts.
I am already living a Good Life because I am healthy. I don't have any sickness or experiencing any pain and discomfort right now while others are spending the rest of their lives lying in the hospital bed and waiting for their last breathe. I am mentally awake too even though sometimes negative energy is trying to win me over I never give in to these dark thoughts. I am emotionally healthy as well because I am surrounded by loving people in the real world.
I am already living a Good Life because we may not be as wealthy as those living the "dream life", we are still surviving every waking day of our lives where our daily needs are met. I am blessed because I found ways on how to make money even if I'm still studying and only at the comfort of my home, while others are still looking for work.
The list will go on and on and will never end if I will elaborate on all of the good things that will show that I am already living a Good Life. From having a house, a comfortable bed, complete family, few but good and real friends, surrounded with beautiful nature, to be healthy.
What I'm just trying to say is, Living a Good Life is being grateful and content with all of the little things you have in life instead of complaining about the things you don't have.
More often than not, we complain about our lives and wonder what if we were born from a wealthier family having a bigger house, driving our own car, and managing our business, we would probably be living a Good Life. We also compare our lives to those who are living our "dream life" while we forget that some people are also dreaming to have the kind of life we already have.
I think it's natural to wish for a better life and social status, but we will never have it if we don't give importance to what we currently have. And to live a Good Life, we should have a healthy relationship with the people around us.
Be grateful for the things you have and better things will find their way to you.
Me I am living a Good Life din po. Dati pangarap ko din po ang magkaroon ng malaking bahay, mga sasakyan, masasarap at maraming pagkain sa hapag kainan at yung iba po na pinapangarap din ng iba. Pero nitong nagkakaedad na po ako ay unti unti ko ng naiisip na maganda naman ang buhay ko dahil nabubuhay naman ako ng maayos at matiwasay po. Kaya yung dream life ko po eh kung maachieve ko man po sya someday, if ever, ay bonus na lang po iyun sa buhay ko.