Best life!

Because of my work as a physician, over the years I have enjoyed the privilege of spending time with people who are near the end of their lives. These people have insight, kindness, and wisdom that I love to soak up like a sponge. One such woman is nearly 100 years old. While her family is struggling to accept the end of her life, she states that she had the “best life” and has no regrets. As I visited with her, she told me about some of her sad times and disappointments, but emphasized that her family, friends, and faith helped her to enjoy life rather than be saddened by it.

When have you felt you were living your best life? For me, it has been at different times: as a newlywed, overcome by my luck at finding my beautiful bride, during the births of my children and grandchildren, and when I returned from a difficult deployment overseas.

In the digital age we live in, we see lots of people who look like they may be living their “best life.” But I often wonder if the appearance of living your best life can be a façade behind which an empty heart lies hidden. A happy soul leads to a more deeply meaningful life. I have often pondered my soul has felt its best and where I fit into God’s plan.

I remember a time I felt particularly alone and bleak as I was down range in Afghanistan doing combat search and rescue. When coalition soldiers and innocent civilians were injured, it was my unit’s job to fly in, sometimes under gunfire, to retrieve the wounded, stabilize them in the field and get them to the appropriate location for continuing medical care. We were under the constant threat of attack and hypervigilant. In fact, we were actually attacked, resulting in the death of three fellow soldiers—this really drove home how vulnerable we were. It was a dark time.

When I returned home, my wife mentioned how I had changed. She said I even smelled different. Even safe at home, my experience haunted me. The words of John helped me during this time: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” (KJV John 16:33). ”Ye might have peace”—this phrase made me reflect on the fact that being happy was a choice I needed to make, and after all that I’d been through, it would not be easy.

My family and friends worked to bring me out of my shell, creating opportunities for me to laugh and enjoy life. My wife’s beautiful piano playing helped calm my heart and awaken my soul more than she probably realized. I began to enjoy life. I would not say that it was my best life, but I began to have better days more often than bad ones. Before I knew it, I was laughing and enjoying myself for days and even weeks at a time.

We all have experiences that rob the joys of life. These experiences come in all shapes and sizes, eroding gradually our “best life”. It is my hope that as we go forward that we might be like my patient: purposely seeking to recognize our own best days, living with no regret, and appreciating the collection of all life experiences that can make it a best life.

Dr. John Boston is a local physician, father, husband, grandfather and believer in Christ and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.