What does it mean to live a Meaningful and Purposeful Life?
Living a meaningful and purposeful life is about prioritising what truly matters to you. It’s about discovering your passions and values and using them to create a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Living meaningfully and purposefully is a deeply personal journey. What this means to you will be different from what it means to everyone else and so it is important that you don’t compare yourself with others. Rather that you learn to look deep within yourself and find out what gives you that feeling of fulfilment and happiness. To find that joy regardless of what is happening around you, allows you to navigate life’s challenges with intention and to stay true to your own personal values and to your soul’s purpose.
However, in our technology-driven world full of ceaseless notifications and information overload, it can be harder than ever to tap into your soul purpose meaning. It is so easy to get distracted and lose your focus. As you move more and more towards living a meaningful and purposeful life you’ll start to recognise when you move away from what brings you that fulfilment and happiness. You’ll know you’re living with meaning and purpose when life feels authentic and fulfilling, overflowing with endless opportunities for growth, expansion, and passion. And when you’re not living this way? Well, you might feel like you’re floating aimlessly, pulled in whichever direction the wind blows, losing that connection with your authentic self.
Living with meaning and purpose isn’t about being perfect or ticking off a checklist of achievements. It’s about living in a way that aligns with your values and passions, making a positive difference to yourself and others. It’s about moving from merely surviving to truly thriving and taking consistent action toward what truly matters to you.
So what is the difference between living an ordinary life and a meaningful and purposeful one?
An ordinary life is often ruled by external factors such as societal or other people’s expectations and the pursuit of material wealth. A meaningful and purposeful life, on the other hand, is guided by your inner feelings, your soul’s purpose and reflects your deepest beliefs, passions, and values. While an ordinary life can feel monotonous and uninspiring, a purposeful life is fulfilling and impactful.
Living with meaning and purpose will enhance your sense of self-worth as you stay focused on your personal values. This in turn will motivate you to strive for personal and professional growth, leading to a deeper satisfaction and happiness.
Purpose and meaning are intertwined and circular and they are values you build – architect, create, design – for yourself and for your life. They are not things that you go looking for and have to somehow find somewhere out there, but rather something you carry inside and wake up to and discover.
Living life in this way is a journey, not a destination. It is a way of travelling through life and requires effort and commitment. But by aligning your values and passions with your goals and actions, you can create a meaningful and purposeful existence that will bring you happiness and joy.
Barbara Hand