A Well-Lived Life

Written by Elizabeth Hoyt

Photography by Shane Rounce, from unsplash.com

What is a life that is well lived? 

It’s a question many ask,

And defining what it really is,

Is quite the difficult task.

Is a well lived life just wealth, success?

Many make this claim,

And so, money and renowned prestige,

Become their only aim.

Others say that adventure, excitement,

Makes life a worthy cause,

But what about those who can’t venture out?

Is their life’s purpose on pause?

Can a well-lived life really be defined?

Is it something we can achieve?

There’s no way to know, unless we try,

To figure out what we really believe.

Who is happiest among us?

Who seems most fulfilled?

It’s those who give of themselves to others,

And who their own desires kill.

Although this idea may sound absurd,

A bit far-fetched at best,

Take a look at those around you,

And put their lives to the test.

Those who toil so endlessly,

To make a fortune in their life,

Though they often possess so many things,

Also encounter a restless strife.

They think they’re getting what they want,

But it never is enough,

They always crave for something more,

Despite their abundant stuff.

Now as for those who seek a thrill,

They too are not content,

For as soon as one diversion is over,

They need another type of event.

What really makes a life well-lived,

Is our willingness to give,

Our diligent effort to do what’s right,

And our quickness to forgive. 

Time well-used grants satisfaction,

Hard work makes life a joy,

When we are focused on helping people,

Even if us they annoy.

If life is lived with an eternal purpose,

If God is forefront in our thoughts,

If we strive to be sincere and honest,

If in hypocrisy we are not caught,

Then can we say that the life which we live,

Is truly as it should be,

And we can hope that after we’re gone,

We’ll have left a good memory.