“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
— John Wesley, Letters of John Wesley

Day 4 of #LiveWell2017.

What does it mean to be “good”?

Let’s talk about goodness.

The philosophical, religious, psychological, and ethical definitions of “good” have been debated for centuries. Good and bad are subjective terms defined variously by context, societies, and cultures. Taoism teaches that good and bad are the same thing – two parts of a whole. It is what it is.

For the purpose of my writing and thinking this year, I’m defining “good” as something positive and helpful, something that brings hope or joy, something that makes the world a kinder, gentler, healthier, happier place for all.

So, creating goodness is about being kind and generous, helpful and hopeful, playful and fun, compassionate and empathetic. It’s about caring and relationships and selflessness. Creating goodness means taking care of our planet and each other while living healthy, happy lives ourselves. It’s also a personal and conscious choice – something we each have to do in our own ways and in our own time.

And, it’s fun to do together with those you love.

What does goodness mean to you?