Ok, I admit. This is not something I read in the Europe’s Journal of Psychology. Nor has it been proven by any scientific research or backed up by a team of well-known psychology experts.

What I am about to share with you is my own theory that was inspired and conceived during my last 9-hour flight from Italy to New York.

My argument and my conclusion is that the older we get, the more stubbornly we ignore everyday miracles that surround us.

Let’s take flying for example…

Can you remember your first trip on a plane? How did you feel, looking out of the window and watching how a huge airplane picks up speed and slowly takes off the ground, leaving behind the roof tops, long streamers of roads and the perfectly delineated squares of green and yellow fields.

I observed people around me today and all I saw was mild boredom and slight frustration about the plane being 45 minutes late. When did flying become just a convenient vehicle that allows us to get from point A to point B? Isn’t it a miracle that we are able to surmount the force of gravity and rise above the clouds?

When I was little I was practically glued to the window the whole time the plane flew, imagining that this is how the God sees the Earth. I felt powerful. I still do, when I distract myself from voracious “What time will they serve lunch?” thoughts and take a moment to glance out of the window on the frothy, ever-changing sea of white clouds floating below.

Now, getting back to my theory about us losing our ability to get amazed at little things…

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People often define a “good life” as “looking good”, “feeling good” and “having the goods”. But it goes much deeper than this.

Life is really good:

• When it is filled with happiness, discovery and love
• When you wake up and go to bed with a smile on your face, giving thanks for another great day
• When you are passionate about your work
• When you are surrounded by people you love, respect, admire and learn from
• When you have no regrets about your past and no doubts about your future

There are no secrets to living a good life, but there are a few keys that we sometimes overlook. Here are 7 of them that came to mind:

1. Find your direction in life.

For a long time I had been frantically looking for my one and only life purpose. I was afraid that I would not be able to figure it out before I died and my life would be meaningless and wasted.
Slowly it has dawned on me, that I do not have to look for THE life purpose and see it as a goal that I must accomplish. All I have to do is to choose the direction that I would like to follow and take the first step.

A well-lived life does not sum up to some objective result. It is a continuous journey, a process of self-discovery, self-improvement and self-realization. Your life purpose might be hidden from you at the moment, but it does not mean that you should be standing still. Find the path that is aligned with your inner values, life goals and heart-felt desires and everything else will fall into place.

2. Take care of yourself.

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