I’m writing about the Action for Happiness calendar Meaningful May…half a month late. It’s been a busy two weeks, but better late than never, right? Right? I get the feeling I’m going to be busting out this tired old phrase often over the next couple of months. Maybe it’s a good time to look at the meaningful, then. Maybe I’ll focus on what’s important:

“Make a difference and be part of something bigger.”

—Action for Happiness

If you’re having trouble deciding what’s truly meaningful, what worthy action should take priority, consider this quote from Elder Oaks:

“We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.”

—Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best” 2007

And another one:

“As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.”

—Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best” 2007

Stick with the truly meaningful things. Simplify your life. It doesn’t need to be cluttered with a ton of good acts, it just needs to be full of love towards others, love that shines through in good works, service, and charity.

Here are some suggestions from the calendar for living a meaningful life:

• Do something meaningful for another.
• Take interest in others.
• Take part in a charity.
• Connect with people.
• Get involved in your community.
• Go on a kindness mission.

These suggestions ^? They’re all not just good things to do, but better and best because they add a little love to the world. They add light to the world. They add happiness to the world.

Choose Joy.

—A