Honestly, I think it’s a mix of what touches the soul, what nurtures the heart, and what grounds the body. For me, a good life isn’t just about achievements or appearances, it’s about what makes me feel deeply connected, supported, and at peace.
First and foremost, Bhakti.
To me, Bhakti is not just devotion in a religious sense. It’s an intimate relationship with the divine, with something higher than myself. It’s what brings meaning when life feels empty, and light when everything seems dark. Whether I’m struggling or celebrating, the presence of God, through prayer, surrender, or even just silence, anchors me. As the Bhagavad Gita says in Chapter 9, verse 22:
“To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.“
This verse reminds me that Bhakti is not just about rituals, it’s about that inner connection, that quiet strength, that sacred trust in the universe.
Loyal friends.
True friendship is so underrated. In today’s world, where everyone is in a rush and trust can feel rare, just having one or two people who stand by you no matter what, that’s gold. Friends who don’t judge, who show up when you’re not your best, who laugh with you on your good days and sit quietly beside you on the bad ones… they are a lifeline.
A supportive family.
I know not everyone has this, and sometimes even family can be complicated or even painful. But where there is love, understanding, and mutual respect, family becomes a soft place to land. A good life, to me, includes feeling like there is a home, emotionally, not just physically, where you are accepted just as you are.
Good health.
This is something we often ignore until it begins to fade. For me, a good life means being able to walk, breathe deeply, stretch, laugh without pain, just the basics of feeling alive and well in my body. It’s hard to focus on joy, purpose, or even love when your body is in constant distress. That’s why physical, emotional, and mental health all matter deeply. I’ve realized healing is part of the journey toward peace, not just a means to an end.
A good job.
Now, when I say “good job,” I don’t mean flashy titles or huge paychecks. A good job, for me, is one where I feel respected, where my work means something, where I don’t lose myself in the process of earning. It’s about alignment. Purpose. Even a small role, done with heart, can feel deeply fulfilling.
A loving life partner (if that’s your path).
If you choose to walk this life with someone, then yes, a partner who brings peace rather than chaos, who supports your dreams, and grows with you, that’s a blessing. Love should never feel like a constant battlefield. It should feel like companionship, like holding hands through storms and sunsets alike. The Gita teaches detachment, yes, but it also honors relationships when they’re rooted in dharma and mutual upliftment.
And then, there are other emotional, invisible ingredients that we often don’t list, but they matter so much:
- Peace of mind – That quiet feeling when your soul isn’t at war with your reality. That stillness where you can just be.
- Gratitude – The ability to see beauty in small things: a warm cup of chai, a smile from a stranger, the comfort of a worn-out blanket.
- Purpose – That inner knowing that your existence matters. That you’re not just floating, you’re contributing, healing, growing.
- Forgiveness – Both for others and yourself. Without this, the heart gets too heavy.
- Hope – Even when things fall apart, believing something better is possible.
If we look at this through the lens of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it all fits beautifully. At the base, we need health, food, shelter, and basic survival. Then we need safety and stability. After that comes love and belonging (friends, family, partner), then esteem (respect, meaningful work), and at the top: self-actualization. That’s where Bhakti, purpose, creativity, and spiritual awakening shine. They aren’t luxuries, they are the flowering of a well-rooted life.
So yes, a good life is made of many things. But more than “what” we have, it’s about how we feel, safe, loved, connected, peaceful, guided. And even if we’re missing one or two pieces at a time, I’ve come to believe that as long as we keep seeking truth, keep choosing love, and stay connected to something greater…
we’re already living a good life.
🌿✨
✨ P.S. A Little Note from My Heart
If you enjoyed reading this and would like to support my journey, please consider checking out my YouTube channel, where I post healing quotes and soulful reflections. Do check out the link below and subscribe to my channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@NehaKalia9
The Thought Box 
Leave a comment