Building a Relationship with Life

I recently watched an insightful TED Talk by Robert Waldinger, MD, titled, “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness.” Dr. Waldinger is the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a 75-year-long research project that remains one of the most extensive longitudinal studies in history.

Many people believe that fame and wealth are the ultimate keys to happiness, but the data from this study tells a different story. SPOILER ALERT: The central finding is surprisingly simple. As Dr. Waldinger puts it, “The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”

When we hear the word “relationships,” we often think of our connections with family, friends, and colleagues. We tend to these relationships regularly—whether it’s with a spouse or partner, parents, siblings, children, friends, or even coworkers and neighbors. These connections are vital, and we pour effort into them.

But how often do we think about our relationship with life itself?

Are we actively nurturing it, or do we allow life to simply unfold around us?

Much like our personal relationships, our relationship with life deserves intentional care and attention. If good relationships are the foundation of a happy and healthy life, shouldn’t we apply the same effort to our relationship with life itself?

Take a moment to consider: Are you tending to your life, truly living it to the fullest, or are you just letting it happen to you?

Being intentional about our relationship with life means embracing it fully—nurturing it, tending to it, and experiencing it deeply. If we give life the same care we give to our closest relationships, perhaps we can unlock greater happiness and well-being.