The search for meaning and purpose in your life is sometimes referred to as Spirituality because it pays attention to your inner life.  No matter what stage of life you are in, you may be looking in different places for meaning and the need to matter.

Young adults often look to work to help define their identity.  Many hours are spent at work which easily translates into being needed and often appreciated.  Older adults, especially those approaching retirement, look to religion and/or spirituality as a means of redefining who they are.

In both cases, what is important is the feeling that you “matter” or count.  Feeling needed, appreciated, and noticed is necessary for good mental health.  There is no right or wrong activity.  It is whether the activity engages you, uses at least one of your strengths, and makes you feel appreciated that is key.

Viktor Frankl, a Jewish psychiatrist believed that an authentic life must be a journey of meaning.  We need meaning to thrive.  Without meaning, we lose our way.  What in your life makes you feel like you “matter”, gives your life meaning?

Meaning comes from using your strengths to achieve your purpose.  To experience meaning, you have to have a purpose.  Purpose can be thought of as your goal or direction.  It conveys action or movement toward something that you value.  It can be your mission, something you are passionate about, or your personal dream.  For example, your purpose might be to become the best at something that is important to you, i.e. being healthy, your work, marriage, parenting, or friend.  What is your purpose?

There are many benefits of having a purpose or goal.  It:

• Stimulates you.
• Enhances wellness.
• Activates healing powers within you.
• Motivates you.
• Fills you with energy.
• Keeps you youthful.

If you are having trouble determining your purpose, try answering these questions:

• Think back to a “younger” you.  What did you dream of doing?
• What makes you feel like you matter, feel needed or appreciated?
• What are your strengths?
• How can you use your strengths more often?
• How can you use your strengths for a purpose greater than yourself?
• If you had a business card, what would it say?

Once you know what your purpose is, choose to do things that allow you to use your strengths and live your values.  Meaningful activities are purposeful and personally fulfilling.  They may:

• Develop a skill.
• Allow you to try new ideas.
• Demand physical and emotional energy.
• Give you a vision of where you are going.
• Be profound or simple.
• Tell you what means the most to you and who your true friends are.

See if you can come up with a meaningful activity to engage in each of the following areas:

• Improve physical health.
• Improve emotional well-being.
• Improve mental well-being.
• Enhance socialization.
• Give you status in your community.

Following these guidelines, living a meaningful life is possible.  You benefit by having an enhanced sense of well-being and fulfillment.

Action Step:  What meaningful activity did you come up with for each of the 5 areas listed above?  Choose one of the activities. What steps do you need to take to pursue that activity?  When will you begin?  Add additional activities on a weekly basis.

Maurine