The Meaning of Life
What IS the meaning of life? If you find yourself intently scouring this article for the answer to the age old question, I, with much confidence, can tell you to read no further. Give this article not another thought, because sadly I do not hold the answer. I have been told many things about what the TRUE meaning of life is, and although some fit well, none are the magic bullet. “42!” you might proclaim cynically because this answer seems to ring well, especially with you Hitchhiker fans; but alas, the meaning still evades us like a cockroach meeting the sunlight.
So, what exactly IS the meaning of life? Emily Smith, writer for The Atlantic, produced an article highlighting psychological research about happiness and meaning. Happiness, as Emily saw it, is about feeling good. Happiness is all the things we seek or things we do to lift our spirits, even if these things may not be so healthy. There are times that people are seeking or doing things that make them happy; however, these people may not exactly be happy about the things they gain or behaviors that they perform.
Meaning, however, is the process in which you have a feeling of contribution, contribution that is greater than you. This is something that YOU’VE done for the “greater good.” How do you as an individual contribute to society? What is your BIGGER purpose in life? People pour themselves into many things that give their lives meaning. People may advocate for specific causes, for personal and/or social values, for changes that they believe will have a positive social impact.
Happiness and meaning are issues that our teens have to face as well. In fact, some make a profession of resolving this life question. Many teens tend to focus on that which brings them happiness. They often spend their time doing things that make them feel good but never truly FEEL GOOD about what they are doing! Some of the difficulty may lie in finding a cause that is greater than the self. The search for meaning is more complex and requires thought, commitment and frequently some level of sacrifice.
So what’s the connection? Can you have only happiness or meaning? No, you can have both. In many ways, they are connected to one another. Ultimately, what you do brings you happiness or unhappiness. Meaning in your life is the extra perks of acting in such a way that you know it is NOT about just you. You are not just working to take care of yourself; you are working to also contribute to some cause about which you are passionate. You work so you can afford that mission trip to needy countries. You work so that you can provide a good example to your children of what it means to be a responsible adult.
I guess the theme I hope to express is this: meaning in life can lead to happiness. Meaning, something we all need in our lives, involves sacrifice and passion. Whether it is raising children, fostering for needy animals, joining a branch or the armed forces or volunteering your time for a specific cause, meaning in life is not free. It involves dedication, commitment and sacrifice. At the end of the day, however, you’ll be happy to say you have a little more meaning than you did the day before.
Please support the mission of Edmond Family Counseling with a tax-deductible contribution. Donate online at edmondfamilycounseling.org or by mail: 1251 N. Broadway, Ste.C, Edmond, OK 73034
