M4L 2013 Lesson 12 How to live a good life: © Paul T. P. Wong The Meaning-Centered Approach to Well-Being

Overview M4L is based on the Meaning Hypothesis that meaning is the most natural way to achieve healing and well-being Summarize the lessons learned in the Meetup Celebrate the conclusion of this course Plan for the future

The Objectives of M4L To awaken people from the meaningless existence of everyday busyness and boredom To explain the vital role of meaning in our well-being To teach people how to make use of their meaning-making capacity to cope with negatives and to fulfill their full potentials.

The Objectives of M4L (cont’d) To learn how to flourish in spite of fate, circumstances, and human weakness To achieve better mental health through meaning and communion

Making life better begins with you.

Be the light of the world.

Awaken a sense of responsibility.

Ryff’s Components of Well-being

1.Discover your true self and accept yourself. 2.Don't worry about being accepted by others. 3.Recognize your intrinsic self-worth as a human being. 4.Do the best with what you have, regardless of circumstances. 5.Do your best in helping others with a compassionate heart. 6.Value and make good use of every moment of life. 7.Capture every meaningful moment. 8.Pursue a worthy dream and follow your own path. 9.Rejoice in your uniqueness.

A Accept the reality B Believe in possibilities C Commit to achievable goals (PURE) D Discover new resources & solutions E Evaluate & enjoy the progress The Pathway of Resilience © Paul T. P. Wong

Feeling Good about Yourself Love yourself for your inner qualities. Build self-esteem based on your human dignity, self-respect and inner goodness rather than possession, position and pretension. Measure the worth of your life in terms of what you have given of yourself. Failure for a noble ideal is more honourable than success through manipulation and ruthless competition.

Advantages of Meaningful Living A higher purpose is essential to well-being Everyone has the capacity of meaning-making Protects you against adversities and fears Avoids the pitfalls of the self-centered pursuit of happiness and success Happiness and flourishing will sneak in through the back door

The good life is being in the world.