I love Sunday mornings! It is the one day of the week where I don’t have to get out of bed early and I can take my time easing into the day. Sunday morning is a time I set aside each week for Me. I don’t rush, I enjoy a cup of coffee, give myself a 20 minute facial, a yoga practice for flexibility and to calm my mind and connect to my spirit and then I let the day unfold.
Sundays are the perfect opportunity to reflect on the week and also on deeper issues that are pushed aside because life gets busy. It is also a time when my creativity flows because I have slowed down the pace.
I was going to write my letter to you this week on a different topic and when I started typing my thoughts went in a completely different but worthwhile direction.
I have a question for you : What is the Meaning of Life? – how would you answer that?
I want you to think about the Meaning of Life. What does it mean for you?
I was having a conversation with a friend earlier in the week and the topic of the Meaning of Life came up. We discussed our thoughts and I had found a quote that resonated with me. I pondered this and realised how true it was.
“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.” – Joseph Campbell
Being the ‘meaning’ of your life
We all have our ‘meaning’ we can bring to life, sometimes it isn’t always obvious but by taking time to explore our inner self honestly, we can discover our personal meaning.
How we live, what we do gives us meaning and purpose. By living our purpose we bring meaning to life. So simple, yet do we take the time connect with our meaning? our why? our purpose? When we do, life takes on a new meaning. We feel connected, We feel our true identity, We find our authentic selves. We no longer have to compare, or keep looking for external ways to bring meaning to our lives, because we are the answer.
My friend’s answer was also simple – Just Live. How true is that? We spend hours wanting more, looking ahead, looking behind with regret or limiting beliefs we can’t leave or overcome, and we WASTE the moment we have today to LIVE and enjoy the precious life we have.
This week my guest in conversation on the Women Living Well After 50 Podcast, was Maria Paterakis the Future Proofing Counsellor. Maria discussed how we can Heal through Self-Compassion.
How does that relate to bringing Meaning to life?
Through the act of self-compassion we allow ourselves to be kinder to ourselves, to listen to our needs, to address issues in our life that are holding us back – all without judgement but through self-awareness and self-love. This ties well with my WOTY which was ‘SELF’
I encourage you to take some time out for yourself today and think about how you bring meaning to life in your own life. Think about what activities your enjoyed as a child. Revisit them and find ways to bring those activities into your life now. Connecting with yourself and your thoughts on ‘your meaning’ will ensure we Live Well and enable us to enjoy life.
If you would like to start your self-discovery but not sure how, contact me to arrange a free 15 minute chat and how I can help you start Living Well.
Email me at : sue@womenlivingwellafter50.com.au Subject: Self-discovery
18 Comments
I absolutely love that Joseph Campbell quote. Sooo powerful!
Me too, Donna. Thanks for always supporting me in all I do. xx
A great post for any day especially a Sunday Sue. That quote is just spot on and i agree, the meaning of life is to get on with living.
Thanks Deb, sometimes I get inspired when I’m not really aware of it. x
Nice post. There’s a lot of meaning to life but I think as a country we’ve lost our wqay and the majority of people just think of themselves. I think lifting up and looking after others, whether we know them or not, should be our responsibilty and perhaps our meaning is found where the government is lacking. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Oh I agree Lydia it should be our responsibility as humans to look after and lift up others when they need it. Love your quote at the end ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’. x
Ah yes, I’ve been struggling a lot with purpose and meaning lately Sue. I realise it’s been tied up to me in a work/professional sense as I’ve often had little else in my life to occupy me or give me a sense of self. But I’m trying to work out how to change that now.
It’s never too late Deb and also we can change our direction or path if we find that something isn’t what we wanted. Purpose is a difficult one and one I have struggled with since leaving work. I do know my purpose is to help others which I try to do with Women Living Well After 50
Hi Sue – it’s an interesting question and one I think I view from a slightly different perspective. For me it ties in with Laurie’s post today about eternity and the question from Mary Oliver “what is it you plan to do with this one wild and precious life?” For me it’s about living well, living within your beliefs and values, and being the best version of yourself. In the process, hopefully we contribute towards making the world a better place. A very thought provoking post today! x
Thanks Leanne, and I agree with your answer. I don’t think there is one answer that covers the question but many different ones that together, answer it perfectly. xx
For me, the meaning of life is to love and to be loved.
That is so perfect, Jody. Thank you for sharing with me. xx
This is a huge question Sue. I’m really not sure I could answer it in just a few words. For me there are many meanings of life. Just a few are love, kindness, helping others. But so much more comes to mind
That’s a good start, Jen. I don’t think we can answer it in one sitting it is such a deep question. x
This was a fantastic read, Sue! That quote about the meaning of life is absolutely brilliant, and your friend’s answer was even more brilliant. Thanks for sharing this. Good reminder that I needed right now.
Thanks so much Susanne. Our conversation was very interesting and I liked the quote because it really made me think. Hope you are having a lovely week. x
You are covering some ground here in your words and your own learning as you help others. Lessons in life…we all have them and need them. I know life has taught me a lot…and I was not always a willing learner.
Thank you for linking up for Life This Week on Monday 17 May 2021. It is a great community here and I am always pleased to see your post linked. Next week, the optional prompt is Self Care Stories. I look forward to seeing you then too. Denyse.
Thanks Denyse, we all have lessons in life don’t we? Thanks for the opportunity to link up xx