For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment. –Viktor E. Frankl
When we’re feeling down, when things aren’t going our way, sometimes we think, “What’s the point? What’s the meaning of all this? We’re born, we spend a few years here on Earth and we die. Why?”
Do you think there’s one, big, solo meaning of life for all humans?
I tend to agree with Viktor Frankl and his quote above. We each have our own meaning and it changes throughout our lives.
Have you ever considered what the meaning of your own life is?
We’re All Here To Help
One of my big personal beliefs is that we’re all put on this planet to help others using our innate skills, passions and abilities. “Others” can mean other people, animals, plants or the planet. We’re all connected. We’re all part of the same energy, the same stuff. If we help others, we help ourselves.
It doesn’t matter if we, personally, help a handful of people or millions. The impact of our actions on each person we affect is spread from that person to everyone they touch and everyone those people touch and so on. It’s like spreading a flame from one person’s torch to another. Using that line of thinking, each one of our actions eventually affects the rest of the world. Really.
You may ask, “What can I do that could possibly make a difference? I’m just one person out of billions.” Know that you’re making a difference every day with your thoughts, choices and actions. Now it’s time to ask yourself what kind of difference you’re making.
Are you going through life on auto-pilot doing what you think you’re supposed to be doing, blending in? If so, you’re teaching everyone around you, especially your kids, if you have them, that this is OK. This is what is socially acceptable and what we’re all supposed to do.
If you’re running on auto-pilot wishing things were different, looking for someone else to show you that it’s OK to do something different but everyone you observe is doing what you’re doing, know that your life probably won’t change. We’re the sum of the five people with whom we spend the most time.
Be the Change
Be that person you’re looking for because there are thousands or millions looking for that same person. People need leaders and role models. Why not have it be you?
You don’t have to be a big celebrity or famous athlete. You just have to do something a little different. Do what you love.
If you start to think a little differently and take a few actions toward that “something different” you’re after, others will be watching. They’ll follow your lead. You’ll make a difference in the lives of those watching you and those watching your observers. It’s a ripple effect.
You’ll be spreading happiness and personal freedom whether you realize it or not.
Mindfulness In Action
This is another area where mindfulness can be so valuable.
Slow down and notice your thoughts, choices and actions for a day. Don’t judge anything. Simply notice.
What kind of example are you setting? What are you teaching others through your actions? Is this the kind of example you want to be for others? For your kids? For all the kids out there?
Find Your Purpose
There are all kinds of programs out there that help you find your passion and purpose. I strongly encourage you to give yourself the gift of going through these exercises on a regular basis, maybe annually.
You can have more than one purpose. Everyone has at least one. Find yours and do something about it. My last post has some simple steps to move you forward on that path.
Don’t second guess yourself or judge what comes up as not good or valid enough. Follow your intuition even if it seems crazy, or especially if it seems crazy. Crazy is good. Crazy is what changes things. Crazy is only crazy because everyone isn’t doing it – yet. Remember those crazy scientists a few hundred years ago who thought the earth revolved around the sun and that the earth was round?
In addition to having more than one purpose, the meaning or purpose of our lives can change. Please don’t think that if you identify something now that you have to stick with that one thing for the rest of your life. That’s another myth of societal programming. It’s really OK to change your mind whenever you want and as often as you want. It’s your life.
Big lesson: Do what makes you feel good. When you feel good, good things come to you.
What’s the meaning of your life right now?
How can you live that meaning every day?