Meaning of Life

Have you already found meaning of your life?
If so, congratulations!

Many of us are still searching for it, and even more have changed it, more than once.

We can consider it on an individual level: What is the meaning of my life? Or, on a more general level, what is the meaning of life in general? Why are we, our species, our planet, our galaxy here?

For some, the purpose of life is straightforward: to do things that make you happy, whether it's helping others, hobbies, or succeeding in your career. For others, faith and serving those who are above give meaning to existence. Some seek answers through meditation and philosophy. For some, the purpose of life is just to try to survive, fight, and cope, either physically or mentally. Then there are those who are tired of the entire search and say nothing really matters; we are all going to die anyway.

Our values, way of life, and ability to influence our lives will change during our lifetime. That is why we occasionally stop to reflect on our lives, perhaps questioning our previous reflections and seeing things differently: Is there a more significant reason for my existence? Why do I exist? At this particular time? Or am I just a consequence of my parents' and ancestors' procreation, the result of a long chain of events with no significant meaning? Just like our species, our planet, and our universe.

The probability of each of us existing is inconceivably small, yet here we are. That wonder makes us think and look for a more significant reason, even if there is none.

We seek answers because we are aware of ourselves and our existence. Winning the grand prize in the lottery of life might not satisfy us enough as an explanation. We want our lives to have some meaning and to have a purpose here other than just to live, enjoy, sometimes grieve, and eventually die.

Ultimately, our needs are in a crucial role. If we feel that our lives are meaningful and that we are needed, we may not have to look for answers to our existential questions. If, on the other hand, we are in crisis or depressed or, despite all the good we have done, we feel a void inside us, a piece missing, it is a sign of unmet needs. We try to fill that void with secondary actions: shopping, other people, power, or using substances. But they do not fill the emptiness for more than a moment.

The path to self-discovery and finding meaning in life is never found by suppressing one's feelings and needs. Awareness of them is the starting point, and finding their causes is the key to happiness and spiritual balance.

We look for answers when previous answers are not satisfactory. We may have stopped and been unable to find the right way forward. Sometimes, the meaning of life is easy to find. We discover how important the things around us are. We find things that bring joy and peace. We fall in love. We begin to do long-dreamed passion.

Sometimes, we look further afield and delve into philosophies, history, or space. But one thing is clear—everyone finds their own meaning of life. Sometimes, it takes longer time or rougher roads. Because it is a personal matter, externally imposed meanings rarely fit.

Once you have found your purpose in life, life feels easier—at least if you can live up to it. If circumstances force us to live differently, it will always cause conflict and problems with our well-being. Then, we can't achieve balance. Life feels heavy, and we expend enormous resources to balance our minds against the external factors that constantly burden our minds.

The key to life's purpose lies within each of us. It is a journey within oneself to find out what is important to oneself and accept our significance or insignificance.

Sometimes, we need the help and support of other people to deal with difficult memories. Painful memories do not disappear from our minds but influence our actions, even if we are unaware of them. They require work, neutralization, acceptance, and living them emotionally again. Sometimes, this is very painful and requires a lot of time and energy. But it is always worthwhile and never too late.