{"id":578,"date":"2013-10-31T10:41:27","date_gmt":"2013-10-31T10:41:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/everydayinspiration\/?p=578"},"modified":"2013-10-31T10:41:27","modified_gmt":"2013-10-31T10:41:27","slug":"the-must-haves-for-a-meaningful-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/2013\/10\/the-must-haves-for-a-meaningful-life.html","title":{"rendered":"The Must-Haves for a Meaningful Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cI don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.\u201d – Joseph Campbell<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The meaning of life has intrigued philosophers, writers, scientists, and theologians for centuries. While the topic of existence and humanity\u2019s purpose will always be debated and speculated, there are certain essential truths that seem to hold up through the ages.<\/p>\n

A sense of purpose<\/strong> \u2013 You don\u2019t have to be successful to have a meaningful life<\/a>, but you will feel more fulfilled if you\u2019re making a difference in the world. It could be a goal you\u2019re working toward, a new garden that you\u2019re planting, or a new career you\u2019re chasing\u2014if it gives you a sense of purpose, then take a moment to actively appreciate it. <\/p>\n

Often times, our current roles are the purpose we feel led to do, even if we have no other plans or goals currently set. If your happiness is in a homemaking role or your position at work, wherever you are, knowing that you belong is fundamental to being happy.<\/p>\n

Acceptance of things you can\u2019t change<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s a natural response to worry about future events. However, it\u2019s not productive. If you can\u2019t affect the problem or situation that\u2019s bothering you, then there\u2019s nothing else you can do but enjoy the moment you\u2019re in. <\/p>\n

Circumstances, material things, upcoming bills, appointments, and problems can\u2019t all be solved or changed in one moment. So you can either take the necessary steps to start a change, or you can focus on the positive and leave the rest alone. Sometimes, all that you can change is your attitude.<\/p>\n

Happiness in the moment<\/strong> \u2013 The amount of money you have doesn\u2019t determine how significant your life is, nor does the cleanliness of your house or the model of your car. When you can appreciate the moment you\u2019re in and be happy with what you have, you will realize the depth of meaning your life can have. It seems overly simple, yet it\u2019s a lost practice on modern society. <\/p>\n

Be content where you are; take time to actively appreciate THIS moment, wherever you are and whatever you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n

Things that fill your life with joy<\/strong> \u2013 Passions and hobbies make life endlessly meaningful. What would life be without those things we love to do? Doing something that you love gives you a sense of joy and contentment that adds positively to your life. If you\u2019re not creating time for these passions or aren\u2019t sure what they are, and then you could find a way to work it into your schedule. <\/p>\n

Think of it as a way to enjoy your life more and find deeper significance in a simple way.<\/p>\n

People that you care about <\/strong>\u2013 Human life was not meant to be lived alone! You don\u2019t have to be married or be close with your family in order to lead a fulfilling life, but whoever it is that you\u2019re close with\u2014from work, from church, an old high school friend, your sibling\u2014you can find joy in knowing that this is an essential part of human function. <\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t mean that you are an extrovert who thrives on social situations or human interaction, but having that connection, whether one-on-one or in more of a group setting, is a very meaningful part of existence. Focusing on who you have close to you is an enriching thing.<\/p>\n

About Alex Blackwell<\/a><\/h5>\n

Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer. He writes about inspiring things at The BridgeMaker<\/a>.
\nWeb<\/a> | Inspiring Things <\/a> | Free eBook: How to Love Consciously<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cI don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.\u201d – Joseph Campbell The meaning of life has intrigued philosophers, writers, scientists, and theologians for centuries. While the topic of existence and humanity\u2019s purpose will always be debated and speculated, there are…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":554,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Must-Haves for a Meaningful Life - Everyday Inspiration<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/2013\/10\/the-must-haves-for-a-meaningful-life.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Must-Haves for a Meaningful Life - Everyday Inspiration\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u201cI don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.\u201d – Joseph Campbell The meaning of life has intrigued philosophers, writers, scientists, and theologians for centuries. 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