What makes life worthwhile?

“Why are we so obsessed and focused with Gross Domestic Product? Why don’t we care more about Gross National Happiness?”

– King Jigme Singye Wangchuck

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My birthday is tomorrow, I will turn 55 years old.  I was thinking about when I was my sons’ ages, 16 and 19.  I used to think anyone over 50 was ancient.  I couldn’t imagine even living that long. But now, at that ancient age, instead of thinking about how long I’m going to live, I am thinking about how I live.  What makes life worth living? What makes life worthwhile?  What is it that people pursue and long for?  And for me, the only answer is happiness and love. It sounds trite, but for me it is the truth.

I was at my friend Jan’s daughter’s wedding this past weekend.  It was a wonderful celebration, an event that had taken over a year to plan and organize.  It was heart-warming to be a part of such a celebration of love.  Because to me, those milestones are the keys to what makes life worthwhile, being surrounded by friends and family.

I was at my happiest recently in Borneo.  Not because I was in Borneo per se, but because I was surrounded by my family – with my sister and my neice, my husband and my sons. Being in Borneo was cool, don’t get me wrong.  I loved the travel – it was fun and an adventure.  But the bottom line was the love I felt being there with the people I love.  Had I just been travelling in Borneo alone, it would have been fun and interesting, but it wouldn’t have been what makes life worthwhile for me.

I want to close with an interesting TED Talk by Chip Conley asking us all to think about What Makes Life Worthwhile?

 

 

I’d love to hear about what makes your life worthwhile?  And are you spending your time pursuing that which makes you happiest?  As always, thank you for stopping by, I appreciate it.

 

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