The Good Life

Finding fulfillment in the things that matter.

Lost Generation

by Jonathan Reed

posted Feb 04, 2011

Jonathan Reed’s poem about what life would be like when you turn 50 seems depressing at first—but when you read the poem in reverse, life seems a lot brighter.

Beyond GDP: UK to Measure Well-Being

by Laura Stoll

posted Jan 27, 2011

The UK is trying out a new way to see if government policies are improving people’s lives: ask.

Why the Kings of Bhutan Ride Bicycles

by Madhu Suri Prakash

posted Jan 14, 2011

Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley on Gross National Happiness, his country's traditions, and the importance of democracy.

Fixing the Future

posted Jan 14, 2011

Video: David Brancaccio's full documentary as he travels the country to visit communities that are changing their economy in unique ways.

Out of Chaos

by Sarah van Gelder

posted Jan 03, 2011

15 years ago, YES! co-founder Sarah van Gelder wrote this piece for the launch issue of YES! How well does it stand up in a world that is, if anything, more chaotic?

How To Keep Love Going Strong

by John M. and Julie Gottman

posted Jan 03, 2011

Poster: 7 principles on the road to happily ever after.

Happy Holidays? 6 Ways to Get There

by James Baraz

posted Dec 23, 2010

Research-tested strategies for feeling the joy of the holiday season.

The Good Life? It’s Close to Home

by John McKnight and Peter Block

posted Dec 22, 2010

Rebuilding families and neighborhoods around the gifts each of us offers.

Freer, Messier, Happier

by Jeremy Adam Smith

posted Dec 02, 2010

These days, moms, dads, kids, grandmas—even neighbors—are sharing the work of family.

Did I Ever Tell You the Story?

by Tomas Moniz

posted Dec 02, 2010

As our families grow older, it's the stories we share that bind us together.

Hands-on Research: The Science of Touch

by Dacher Keltner

posted Nov 26, 2010

How everyday forms of touch can bring us emotional balance and better health.

The Road to Real Health

by John de Graaf

posted Nov 22, 2010

Health care's just part of the picture. Five policies that would be good for our health, happiness, and wallets.

You Are Who You Eat With

by Katherine Gustafson

posted Nov 21, 2010

Why hectic times call for a return to the family meal.

The Road to Right-Size Cities

by Frank and Deborah Popper

posted Nov 16, 2010

The American fable of all-but-permanent urban and economic growth is over. How cities can prepare for a smaller, but not necessarily worse, future.

Traditions That Make A Family

posted Nov 15, 2010

YES! staff, board members, interns, Facebook friends, and Twitter followers share practices that help define their families.