The Power of Good

 Living a good life – and enjoying the good life – is a subject we have addressed several times in the WEEKENDER. The recurring message is that life is short and we must make the most of it. The question is how to enjoy life to the fullest while also finding true and lasting meaning in all it brings us, both good and bad.

In this edition, we meet people who have encountered life-threatening diseases, such as chef Lely Simatupang, who has written a book about facing cancer. We also meet people who, like Lely with her love of French cuisine, pursue their passions, from martial arts to running to baking cupcakes. They have found their own formulas for being happy.

As I prepared to write this note, I returned to an unpublished article from 2009, written by Retno I. Palupi. She had previously written for the magazine about her experience with breast cancer, and in that article she explored the meaning of happiness.

“Start in the morning by being grateful that you can still get up and breathe,” Retno wrote in conclusion. “Be grateful that you can still eat and drink. Be grateful that you still have family and friends who love and care about you. Be grateful for everything, even the bad, as there must be something good following it later. You won’t run out of ways to create your happiness. Be happy.”

Retno died in April 2010 at age 38. Her words live on as a reminder for all of us to count our blessings and be grateful.

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