How can we live a meaningful life and what does it mean?
It’s not as difficult as you might think. Philosopher Iddo Landau suggests that all of us have everything we need to live a meaningful existence.
After spending time in Africa and going into a small community, I was greeted by a family who had very little. We brought fresh tomatoes and after giving this to them, I looked into their eyes seeing a fulfilled life and honest joy. Strangely this was something I have not seen before. This twinkle in their eyes was pure.
We ended up having a conversation about how can they be so happy with so little. Often we, as a western civilization, can be unhappy with so much.
Their gratefulness for being alive, living in a rugged but beautiful place with grass huts, weaving a basket with purpose, having family and friends. It’s a meaningful life.
‘Life is meaningful, they say, but its value is made by us in our minds, and subject to change over time.’
I realized their minds were strong and there were many lessons to be learned. Here are 3 important ones that help us to see a meaningful life:
- Living Simply. Oh how much we can complicate things and do so much in life that we miss out on day to day living. Taking a couple things off your plate, can allow you to make the space to live a more meaningful life.
- Build Community. Be part of a community. The famous words, ‘it takes a village’. When you do something for someone or someone does something for you, this community is being formed. Start simple.
- Practice Caring. No matter what it is, whether it is a relationship, cooking a meal, working on a project. Allow yourself to care for what you are doing or caring for the conversation you are having. Often we can be disconnected and so we do not get the true meaning.
Finding meaning looks differently for everyone and also based on Landaus book Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World, people often are mistaken when they feel their life is meaningless.
Life changes as we age. We go through various stages such as parenthood, career changes and caregiving. Every stage brings challenges and achievements. At every stage there is meaning.
The conversations I had while in Africa were all meaningful. I realized that there were so many things to celebrate each and everyday. I am so pleased to share my experience with you!
Take a moment to think about what is meaningful to you?
We have one life here on earth (so I think) and how very important it is to live this well and meaningful.
Quote of the week
“A meaningful life is not being rich, being popular, being highly educated, or being perfect. It’s about being real, being humble, being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others." Unknown
Have a great day and in case no one has told you this lately, you're amazing!
Melissa x
P.S Are you looking for purposeful activities to bring additional meaning to your life? Slow down and live a Meaningful Life HERE.