For centuries, everyone from poets to philosophers have contemplated the meaning of life. When we think about it from the point of view that we must find THE MEANING of our life, or the meaning of life in general, it’s definitely a heavy topic.
But honestly, the scariest thing about finding THE meaning of life is to think of it as a singular thing! Life is full of many things that can bring us meaning. When we take a myopic view of meaning, and narrow it down to one thing, we turn it into something elusive and perhaps even unattainable.
Try instead to think of meaning as something you generate for yourself. Doesn’t that feel more empowering? Doesn’t that feel like something you can create and enjoy? Let’s talk about how you can harness the power of finding meaning in life instead of feeling overwhelmed by finding THE meaning of life.
But first, let’s talk about what finding meaning actually means…
WHAT DOES FINDING “MEANING” ACTUALLY MEAN, ANYWAY?
Finding meaning in your life is a personal journey. And remember, finding “a” meaning is not what is important. But, rather, finding things you can give your attention to that bring you meaning is the goal of this journey. That’s why it’s so personal. Bringing meaning into your life is about giving attention to things that you care about.
For example, if you care about taking care of the environment, you will find meaning in spending time doing things that help restore the environment. Perhaps you recycle and compost at home. Maybe you volunteer for an organization that replants stream beds or deforested areas. Just spending time outdoors, in nature, can also be very meaningful for you.
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Whatever it is that lights you up and fills your heart, those are the things that bring meaning into your life!
Are you ready to get started bringing more meaning into you life?
3 WAYS TO BRING MORE MEANING INTO YOUR LIFE
When you spend time doing things that are meaningful to you, you will find yourself feeling more fulfilled and feeling more joy. Please notice that I use the word “things” – in the plural form. Having more than one area of your life that brings you meaning is essential for living a well rounded and full life.
I start my clients on this journey by having them explore three areas of their lives in which to find things to bring them more meaning: Relationships; career or vocation; hobbies or entertainment.
RELATIONSHIPS
Supportive relationships are key to living a healthy life both mentally and physically. Spending time with people who you care about AND who care about you is one of the best ways to support your wellness and to generate more meaning in your life.
You may be asking, “what about having supportive relationships brings meaning to my life?” When you are spending time in a mutually supportive relationship with someone (or someones) you care about, you are spending time on something that gives you meaning – e.g. something you care about.
The easiest example of this is perhaps if you have children and rearing them is something that is important to you. Many parents feel that raising their children well is something that is very meaningful to them. This is of course because they care about their children, but also because they care about society and raising their children to be adults that care about society.
Perhaps having, or rearing children, is not something that brings meaning to you. That’s okay. Think of the other relationships that you care about – spouses or partners, other family members, and most importantly friends!
Having supportive friends that you care about and who care about you is one of the most important ways to bring meaning into your life.
RELATED POST: FRIENDS – ONE OF THE BEST STRESS RELIEVERS AROUND
CAREER OR VOLUNTEER WORK
Do you wake up in the morning looking forward to going to work? Are you excited about what you do each day? Do you feel like what you do makes a difference?
Spending your time – whether working for a wage or volunteering – doing something that you see as valuable work is the second area of your life where you can find meaning. This does not mean that you have to be a research scientist who is working on finding a cure for cancer. It could mean that you are the sales person who provides the cleanroom supplies for that researcher!
The point is, do you believe that your work is something that adds value to your life and to the lives of others? If not, it does not necessarily mean that you need to quit your job. One of the things I take great joy in is supporting my clients in finding ways to bring more meaning into their lives in their current careers, especially when they don’t find their career to be particularly meaningful.
You would be surprised at the number of ways you can find meaning in a job that seems meaningless to you. From having a mindful conversation with a manager about moving you to a different position or project, to volunteering for one of your company’s community service projects, there are many ways to imbue your current job with more meaning! One of my favorite things to do is brainstorm with my clients about how to do this.
And, of course, volunteering for an organization that is focused on something you care about is a wonderful way to bring more meaning into your life! Think about how you feel when you do something to help support a cause you believe in. It’s a pretty awesome feeling!
HOBBIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Doing something you enjoy and that entertains you may not seem like it would have the same meaningful impact as volunteering for an organization that helps the poor. But, it actually is just as important for your overall health and happiness.
We all need to rest, relax and have fun. These things are essential to our wellness. And you can absolutely do this in a way that brings meaning into your life. Here are some examples of things that are entertaining, relaxing and meaningful:
- Reading self-development books.
- Spending time making something for a friend.
- Spending time with mutually supportive friends.
- Crafting with your kids.
- Getting out in nature – maybe with your friends or kids.
- Running or walking a race that raises money for a good cause.
You get the picture! There are lots of things we can do that are fun and relaxing, but that are also meaningful. I encourage you to brainstorm your own list.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of ways to bring more meaning into your life! Join me in the Peaceful Living Wellness Community Group on Facebook for more ideas and a place to find a supportive community of wellness-minded friends!
And, if you are looking for a “big sister” to help you navigate the stressors of life and find more meaning, purpose and joy contact me today for a free coaching consultation!
To Living Your Best Life!
Jen
JEN ROBINSON
Jen Robinson is the creative force behind the wellness brand Peaceful Living Wellness which is dedicated to providing a wide-variety of high-quality wellness information. Jen is also the creator of the Peaceful Living Wellness life coaching division, and offers workshops, individual and group coaching as well as retreats where she guides women in using Mindfulness and Mindset to build their inner strength on a foundation of inner peace. Jen also is the co-creator of the business coaching brand CEO Mindset that guides entrepreneurs in building their businesses without burning out.
The latest addition to her repertoire is that she recently signed-on as the Wellness Director for the business development company Wealthy Women Entrepreneurs . She is very excited to be leading this group of dynamic women entrepreneurs into success in their businesses and lives!
The most important part of Jen’s life are her two very active teenagers, AJ & Layna!
Jen’s Mindfulness and Mindset techniques inform her business, her parenting and her life!
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