Tyler Lotz 
Meghan Lawrence 
Gavin Lane When I first think of “the good life” I think of a couple of things. First, I think of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” George Bailey, the main character, has a life that is full of family, full of sacrifices for the sake of others, and full of hope for what the future will bring. Second, I think of the “Life is Good” company. I think their marketing is pretty ingenious because isn’t everyone searching for a good life? They make stuff from t-shirts, to water bottles, to tire covers that all say pretty much the same thing – “Life is Good.”
My own personal definition is a little different, but has some of the same characteristics. The good life is a life lived with purpose and with joy. This kind of life seeks relationships diligently. This life is also filled with self-abandon and desire to serve. It is not a life that is all about materialism. The good life is about having awareness of self and being able to act upon that self-reflection. This awareness is beneficial in a way that works to improve the self and do good for others. My definition of the good life is taking advantage of every opportunity and making the best of every mishap. It is by no means a perfect life; it is good because of a choice to make it good.
Paige Wilson
1:25 pm, 01.21.13
Emily, I think that your perspective of the good life is very insightful. The reality of this life is that it is hard. Bad things happen to good people. Bad people go unpunished daily. The world is a confusing and dangerous place where innocence is corrupted daily and trust is shattered. I love your idea that the good life is a choice. If we chose to make the best of every terrible situation that arose I believe that the world would be a radically different place. It is not easy to actively search for the good in a painful situation. It requires diligence, faith, and a sense of hope, which I find to be incredibly admirable. Great thoughts!
Ana Rodriguez
1:38 pm, 01.21.13
Emily, thanks for bringing a movie into the context of your post! It really helped me understand more in depth to what you meant! My favorite part of your post what was about how you choose to make your life good. Bad things to happen to good people, and its what you do and how you understand those bad things that determines if those experiences will shape you or hurt you.
Carter Wells
4:39 pm, 01.21.13
Emily,
I like that your definition of the good life involves seeing past materialism and surface level perceptions to the core of existence: joy, growth, personal identity, the value of others.
Paige,
I agree that making the best of bad situations is important, but I also feel suffering and mishaps are an incredible piece to our story. Just like the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, we often do not realize the beauty and joy we have in those around us and the experiences we have obtained until we are faced with suffering, loss, and despair. These mishaps and tragedies strengthen our relationships, identity, and faith; therefore, I believe that although we should bring positivity from negative events, negative events and our resiliency as individuals helps us to build towards the good life.
A man named Fyodor Dostoevsky is quoted saying, “Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. Great men (or women, I don’t think he was very p.c.) must, I think, have great sadness on Earth.”