Whether you’re a parent, child, sibling, friend, teacher, or student, you play a unique role in each of your relationships, and those roles add meaning to your life. In each of these examples, you and your loved one matter to each other, and that gives your life meaning. For instance, if you’re a parent, you play an incomparable role in your kids’ lives. You and your best friend are special, unique parts of each other’s lives. If you have a sibling, you share an irreplaceable bond with them.
Volunteering for a cause you value is especially meaningful. For example, if you love animals, foster pets or volunteer at a local animal shelter. If a loved one is sick, you could volunteer for a charity related to their illness.
You don’t need to be a doctor or firefighter to make an important difference in someone’s life. Suppose you’re a waiter; focus on the roles you play in your guests’ lives. Think about how you’re helping your customers unwind after a long day or celebrate an important occasion. Additionally, if your job doesn’t feel meaningful, remember why you work. Think about how the money you earn pays your bills. If you have kids or help support your parents, think about how your work is an invaluable service for someone you love.
Thinking about topics like mortality and your legacy isn’t easy. It’s especially tough if you’ve lost someone close to you or if you or a loved one are facing a life-threatening illness. Questioning life’s meaning in these situations is normal, but don’t let doubt overwhelm you. Accept that no one lives forever, but remember that your presence leaves a lasting impact on the world. Focus on making a positive, meaningful difference through your kindness, humor, service, and love.
You can do something for your whole life without feeling inspired or moved by it. Try finding your true calling so you can have a purpose and be happy about it. The people who feel more fulfilled in life are usually the ones who know their vocation in life.
Whether you’re practicing the piano, writing, or saving up to buy a house, accomplishing a concrete step every day can make your actions feel more meaningful. Turning abstract goals into concrete steps is a valuable skill, and people who’ve learned how to do it tend to adapt better to bumps in the road. For instance, suppose someone who runs marathons gets sick or injured. Even if their ability to exercise is limited and they can only run for short distances, they can still pursue their goal of physical fitness without losing their sense of purpose. Do your best to let go of feelings of shame or regret when a goal doesn’t pan out the way you planned. Process what happened and try to learn why these goals appeared so that you can avoid making the same mistakes again. Every failed situation is an opportunity to grow.
You could bring up the subject by saying, “I’ve been feeling a little confused lately about my purpose in life. I’m trying to figure out what I value most and how I can come up with meaningful goals. ” Ask your confidante, “What would you say is your purpose? How did you figure it out? What are the things that you associate most with me? From your perspective, what are some of my core drives and values?” Seek advice from your trusted loved ones to broaden your perspective but don’t look to them for all of the answers. They can only offer their point of view; defining yourself and your values are ultimately up to you.
Cohesion, or things that are predictable and make sense, is one aspect of finding meaning in life. Try to come up with some aspects of yourself and your experience that remain constant over time. [13] X Research source Favorites, likes, and dislikes change over time, but they might hint at your underlying passions. For instance, your favorite bands and singers may change, but your love for music is constant.
For instance, think to yourself, “I am Noelle, and I’m unique, passionate, and talented. I grew up in a big family, and they mean the world to me. My parents’ hard work inspires me, my siblings look to me as a role model, and my baby niece constantly renews my sense of wonder. ”
From spraining your ankle to losing a loved one, life’s challenges can help you become a more compassionate person. For instance, if you’ve been through a breakup, you’ll be able to help a friend if their relationship ends.
For instance, making sense of life after surviving abuse is a difficult, gradual process. For many survivors, using their experience to help others in similar situations plays an essential role in healing.
Spirituality is one way to make sense of life’s biggest questions, but it’s not the only source of order. When the universe seems too big and too senseless, try taking a walk in nature. Think about how predictably trees flower, shed their leaves, endure winter, and begin the cycle all over again in the spring.
