Wellbeing? How Well Should I Live?
If living well is part of the purpose of life, how well should I live? I reflect on what is good enough and where a little more care would make a difference.
WELLBEING?
Wellbeing? How Well Should I Live?
If living well is part of the purpose of life, how well should I live? The obvious answer is, “As well as I can.” But I have come to think that the answer needs a little more thought. I can always walk a little farther, read a little more, or put in another hour of work. Would doing all of that make my life better? It depends on what I would have to give up to do it.
I look at wellbeing in seven areas: physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational, and financial. Each gives me a different question to ask about the same life. Am I taking care of my body? Am I still learning? How am I dealing with what I feel? Am I living in keeping with what I believe? Am I making time for people I care about? Does the work I do fit into the rest of my life? Am I managing my money in a way that gives me some peace of mind?
Take my morning walk. I could decide that walking farther would be better. Before I do, I would like to ask what I expect the extra distance to give me. If I enjoy the walk, feel good afterwards, and can keep it up, I may already be doing well enough. The extra half hour might do more for my wellbeing if I spent it reading, calling someone, or simply having breakfast without a hurry.
Of course, “good enough” can also be an excuse. It is easy to say I am doing enough in an area I would rather not examine. If a money worry keeps me awake, or if I keep putting off speaking to someone I care about, that part of my life may need more attention than I have been willing to give it. What is enough can change as my circumstances change.
I believe the purpose of life is to live in peace, experience happiness, live well, and live as long as possible. I want the way I look after my wellbeing to serve that purpose. If my routine leaves me healthier but constantly anxious about keeping up with it, I have reason to reconsider the routine.
So how well should I live? My answer for now is that I should give each area enough care to support a life I can enjoy and sustain. Some areas will need more from me than others. I can begin by asking: Where would a little more attention make a real difference, and where am I already doing well enough?
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