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. Often adults 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 in someone's life. 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 things in your life make you feel like you "matter" or give your life meaning?
Meaning comes from using your strengths to achieve your purpose. You have to have a purpose to experience meaning. Purpose can be thought of as your goal or direction. It conveys action or movement toward something that you value. It can be your personal dream, something you are passionate about, or your mission. 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.
Try answering these questions if you are having trouble determining your pupose:
Think of a time when you were younger. What did you dream of doing in your life. 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 I 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.
Living a meaningful life is possible when you follow these guidelines. You benefit by having an enhanced sense of well-being and fulfillment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I do the opposite?
By: florence | 17-08-2008
Why do I do the opposite of what I want?
Seeking an Explanation for state of Mind
By: Ray Jones | 08-08-2008
I am seeing everything with a new perspective as if everything inside my mind has been refreshed and renewed. Haven't felt that way before. I dont know if its good or bad. Its like coming into a new world you haven't seen before. I am not used to such a feeling because I know its the same world I am living since birth and now I am confused why is this happening to me? Whether its got to do something with psychology or spirituality? Could this be a transition of the state of mind?I am seeking a good explanation into this issue being experienced by me.
In a dream I was given a very exotic name by what ...
By: csp | 06-08-2008
In a dream I was given a very exotic name by what seemed to be a spirit or spirit guide. Ive tried finding info on it or its parts on the net. My question is this... What cultures have this phenomenon and what do they interpret it as being/meaning? Also, how do I go about interpreting my dream name/spirit name. I cant name it here because I've heard that doing sso can give people power over you (superstition? maybe but I dont want to take a chance).
Most important thing for people
By: Tedayedda | 22-07-2008
What is the most important thing in present days world for everyone?
If dinosauras were around before people then who ...
By: missstlouis1 | 14-07-2008
if dinosauras were around before people then who created them and who created the universe?HOW DID LIFE COME TO BE,AND WERE DID GOD AND ALL THE PEOPLE IN HIS TIME COME FROM?
Demonic deliverance
By: jaysun34 | 27-06-2008
Can anyone tell me of a deliverance ministry (that casts out demons) in the northeastern region of Illinois--Kankakee, Will or Cook County?
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