It's not how I thought it was

     The older I get the more I realize how little control I have of much of anything in life. That is a statement unto itself.
     I always thought that as an adult you would have it all together, even more so if you had an educattion, worked hard at whatever it is you do, and had good intentions. I believed that . . well, that life would work out pretty much okay.
     I have learned  that some of that matters, but not enough to make it as important as I once thought. My personal mission, these last few years, has been to watch people and gather information on what makes someone happy and what constitutes a good life. This is very unscientific and based on the conclusions and opinions of myself only. 
     The things that make life good are so very simple.
Enough food to eat and drink,
a roof to cover your head and keep you safe from the elements
clean air to breathe,
reasonably good health,
a purpose in life,
appreciation of what you have,
the privlege of loving and being loved,
a sense/belief of someone or something greater than yourself,
a sense of humor,
freedom to live your own life as you deem fit,
active participation in life
an openness and willingness to change
 and hope.
      Funny, even if we are lacking in one or some of these, we can still function, but a void exists. I think that we can have many of these and that sometimes we gain or loose them for a while. May this year bring you more of what you need to make your life good. Share what you can. Work toward what you don't have. Be respectful and caring. Try to forgive someone. Be thankful for what you have.
     Is there any that you would want to add to my list?