What do you think of things that are inherently good? Let me rephrase: What things are inherently good? And, how did you come to these conclusions?

Here are some of mine:

--Mutual respect of Father and Son--Recently, my Dad has taken the opportunity to actively seek my opinion on matters pertaining to politics, fitness, overall happiness, etc...I think I must have finally reached an age or maturity level that leads him to believe that our relationship can also be a friendship. Isn't this the way a parent-child relationship is supposed to work? To develop into a deeper and more meaningful bond as the years pass by?

--The Fall--Leaves changing color, school beginning, college football season, Halloween, wind and rain, etc...These are my favorite things in life. I believe that there can be too much of a good thing, but if it were Fall 12 months a year, I wouldn't complain. People seem to be the most passionate about life in the Fall...I could begin to try and speculate why I think this, but I don't really care. Life is just better once September rolls around (in the Northern Hemisphere, that is).

--The Dog Park--My sister's dog reminds me of a shuttle launch upon arrival at the dog park. Within 30 seconds of the trunk of the car opening, the dog is closer to the moon than the parking lot as she practically burns holes in the ground releasing all of her pent-up energy. When was the last time you became that excited about something in life? Why is it that humans seem to hold back from expressing our true emotion even when it comes to our passions? Dogs seem to know what makes them happy and take full advantage of all opportunities to be happy. I can't think of any place people do this...

--Volunteering--I don't believe in the word "altruism." No human is able to give to another without the thought of what they will receive in return. That's human nature. However, taking time to help someone else even if you are doing it for your own sake, will end in the same result. Sometimes the effect of people helping other people/place/etc... has a more profound effect on the person volunteering his or her services...Volunteering is a win-win situation. It has been proven that community service is a common element among those living the happiest lives.

--Pain--Pain is perspective. Without pain (literal or figurative) our lives would lack the context necessary to determine what we truly value. A life without pain really isn't. And while some pain may never go away it allows us all to relate to each-other a little better, which, in the grand scheme of things, is a good thing.

This list is in no way exhausted. Inherently good things are everywhere. So, the next time it's a rainy saturday and your dog has tracked mud all over the house after a morning with the family at the dog park, I hope you smile...