Whether your life feels like a constant struggle or a series of missteps from which you can learn, it’s never too late to lead a good life. A good life is a better path to a simple but meaningful life.

“The happy life is to an extraordinary extent the same as the good life,” says Bertrand Russell. The good life is something we all strive to achieve. The good life is about feeling content, optimistic, and grateful for life’s simple but essential things. It’s a balance between work and play, routine and spontaneity.

It’s also about finding fulfillment in all aspects of your life and making the most out of every moment of your day-to-day existence. However, you don’t have to live in an exotic location or be independently wealthy to achieve the good life. You can lead the good life wherever you are by following the principles of simplicity.

A good life provides you with a sense of meaning and purpose. It’s free from stress and worry but also full of joy and contentment. The good life is much simpler, wholesome and balanced.

“A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are for what you have,” says Zig Ziglar.

People who live the good life stay grounded in reality while keeping an optimistic outlook on life. They find happiness in simple pleasures and are kind to others without expecting a reward.

The good life can take many forms and can be found by people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The most important thing is to find what matters to you and go out there and do it!

People who seek the good life appreciate simple things in life and maintain a healthy balance between work and play. There is no universal truth or single path to a good or meaningful life but three main principles often define it:

• Engaging in meaningful work.
• Living in harmony with nature.
• Nurturing deeper relationships with the people we care about.

A good life is subjective. What gives meaning to one person may not be enough for another. Everyone has different aspirations and values, so a good life looks different for everyone.

In the modern world, it’s easy to get caught up in the busy cycle of life. Life should be enjoyable and relaxing. Pursuing a good and simple life is healthy and important for many reasons, but it can also help you feel good about yourself.

A good life is simple, conscious and intentional

One of the best ways to enjoy a good life is to live a simple life.

In his book “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau, said, “simplify, simplify. Do not try to fulfil all the desires that are now boiling within you. You will accomplish more if you just half satisfy them.”

Simplifying your life doesn’t mean giving up everything you own. It just means being selective about what you keep and how you use what you have. It’s about valuing what matters most and eliminating the rest.

You don’t need to live in a cabin in the woods or give up all of your technology just because you’re trying to live a simple life. You can still have modern conveniences while maintaining the feeling of simplicity that comes from living with fewer things.

A simple life is one of the intentional choices, deliberate actions, and thoughtful words. It’s about being conscious about your actions, how you spend your time, and your relationships with others. The good and simple life is uncluttered, stress-free and meaningful.

A simple life doesn’t have to be boring or unfulfilling — it makes for a more fulfilling existence when we let go of the excess noise in our lives to find peace at our core.

It’s a life with less stuff, more experiences, values and relationships. It’s a life that’s not measured by material possessions but by personal growth and the strength of your relationships with friends, family and community.

“I make myself rich by making my wants few,” says Thoreau.

We all strive for the good life, whether we realize it or not. The world could always use more people willing to take the time to slow down and enjoy meaningful lives.

“The best things in life aren’t things,” says Art Buchwald. So take the time to figure out what makes you happy and meaningful, and then do everything you can to experience it daily. It’s the best way to find true happiness.

This article originally appeared in Medium.