5 Meaningful Ways to Thrive in a seemingly Meaningless World
5 Powerful Ways to Infuse Deep Significance in Your Life (Even in a World That Seems Meaningless)
Image by Sergey Filimonov / Stocksy
September 18, 2023
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Have you ever questioned the meaning of life? Why are we here? Well, don’t worry. Most of us have pondered this at some point. Some people believe in a meaningful universe where everything happens for a reason, while others think life is just a bunch of random events that we add meaning to. Whichever camp you’re in, creating meaning can be a bit of a headache.
But what if we looked at meaning as a consequence of our actions? What if our meaning is a result of how we live? Here are five ways to make your life more meaningful:
1. Live from a space of authenticity
Let’s start with the basics. Trying to find ultimate meaning in our lives can be overwhelming. The key is to live authentically, aligning our actions with who we truly are. In a world that pushes us to conform, it’s important to reconnect with our values and desires. What makes you unique? What brings you joy? Remember, it’s not about the end goal, but finding meaning in each day.
2. Sit with the existential questions
If you’re feeling brave, face those big existential questions head-on. What is the meaning of life? What happens after death? These questions may seem daunting, but they can lead to profound insights. Don’t shy away from them. Explore different philosophical and spiritual perspectives that resonate with you. Embrace the journey of personal growth and let these questions guide you.
3. Cultivate meaningful relationships
Building meaningful relationships can add a deep sense of purpose and belonging to your life. Take the time to nurture your existing connections and seek out new ones. Genuine, empathetic, and compassionate interactions can help you navigate the challenges of a seemingly meaningless world. Remember, meaning isn’t something we find; it’s something we create through our interactions with others.
Meaning isn’t something we “find.” Meaning is something we create through how we choose to show up and interact with the world.
4. Create your meaning (embrace freedom and responsibility)
Here’s some good news for those desperately searching for meaning: you have the power to create it. Meaning isn’t something that is handed to you on a silver platter; it’s a result of your choices and actions. You have the freedom to attribute meaning to anything, even a higher power. So, embrace your freedom and take responsibility for creating your own meaning.
In the words of my new book, “Instead of asking, ‘What meaning can life offer me?’, let’s reframe the question as ‘What is life asking of me?’”. Choose how you respond and take care of yourself, others, society, and the planet. That’s where true meaning lies.
5. Acknowledge meaning in suffering
Life is not always sunshine and rainbows. Suffering is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be meaningless. Existential psychotherapy suggests that we can find meaning in our suffering by reframing it as a lesson or an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Confront your pain, seek to understand it, and use it as a catalyst for personal transformation. Don’t actively go looking for suffering, but recognize that it can also hold profound meaning.
The takeaway
As humans, it is our duty to make our lives meaningful. Without meaning, life loses its purpose. So, take responsibility and reintroduce meaning into your life. It’s not about indoctrination or telling someone what to believe in; it’s about facing your own meaninglessness and creating your own purpose.
As I write in “It’s on Me,” “Everyone should have a choice whether they live or die, but a life without meaning is, well, meaningless. Reintroducing meaning is the only way to actually save a life.” So, go out there and make your life meaningful!
