Wednesday 23 October 2019

What is the meaning of life?


“The true meaning of life is to find happiness.”


This is definitely a topic that can be explored into the depths, the deep depths. The magnitude of this topic makes it difficult to cover all aspects of the equation. The truth of the matter is; each of us has our own definition of what the meaning of our lives are. Some are more seasoned whom have already delved deep into the answers of their own lives, whereas, it can take literally a lifetime for others to come to terms with this question. It all depends on how eager they are to find out.

I’ve explored this subject for over a decade. In fact, I’ve looked into this subject in hundreds of different ways and from almost every perspective. I’ve looked at life from religious perspectives, I've questioned thousands of people about it, even science has played an active role on my judgments about life. I’ve gone quite a bit further than the average person would in researching this topic. It’s a question that deserves a well defined answer.

In my research, over the years, I’ve discussed this topic with people in almost every demographic. From young students in grade school to the recently retired and those on their death bed. It didn’t matter whom I sought advice from, if they had a viewpoint on the subject I was happy to listen. After receiving so many perspectives on this subject I begun to form a clear opinion. I believe the meaning of life is to find happiness. Happiness comes in different forms for everyone. Although our television sets sell us the image that happiness resides within our purchases, it's actually quite the opposite.  True happiness is hidden behind our relationships with other people. It’s masked behind our everyday experiences. It’s defined by the smiles on our faces.

Life is meant to be lived and experienced not taken for granted. It is meant to be appreciated. Even though it often takes lethal cancers, hideous infections and other forms of traumatic experiences to discover, the true meaning of life is to enjoy it. The meaning of life is to live in the moment. I believe that life is meant to have its ups and downs. Each experience brings valuable lessons. These lessons lead us towards happiness. Happiness is the meaning of life.



Strategy:

Create a Positive Focus. A Positive Focus is an exercise designed for people to discover their ideal happiness. This three stage formula separates the negatives from the positive aspects in life and encourages those who use it to find their happiness.

The First Step: In a journal, jot down your top ten achievements within the past few years. If you have difficulties finding them, think back in time, as long as you can remember. I’m sure you’ll be able to muster up at least ten.

The Second Step: Write ten things from your past that made you feel like a better person. Perhaps you helped an elderly person across the street one day, or maybe you won an achievement award. Whatever they were, jot down the ones that made you feel fulfilled.

The Third Step: Write down ten things you’re grateful for in your life. Consider your relationships, your career, even materialistic things. Whatever you’re grateful for be sure to jot it down. After you’ve completed this exercise be sure to place your list somewhere you will see it every day. Often times, we lose track of what makes us happy.

Saturday 12 October 2019

What will you say when you're seventy?

When I was younger I quite frequently imagined myself as a seventy year-old man sitting in a rocking chair. As I rocked back and forth I pondered my accomplishments; wondering if I worked hard enough at achieving an optimal lifestyle, and questioning if I took advantage of living. I'm not sure if these thoughts made me work harder at achieving everything on my bucket list, or if it inspired me to enjoy my life more. Either way, it made me contemplate what true happiness really was. It seemed like every two weeks I was changing my mind; fulfilling whatever my mind told me to work on. I was frustrated because I couldn't make up my mind. Happiness seemed so difficulty to accomplish.

Now, as a thirty-five year old man I ponder the same questions. But, this time I feel less frustrated because I've already accomplished a better life than I once imagined. Although I once thought an ideal lifestyle once consisted of money, fame and materialistic things my experiences have led me to understand that the true meaning of happiness doesn't include any of this.

I'm truly content with my life today because I chose to fulfill my passions early in life. I didn't procrastinate regardless of the obstacles that stood in my way, and I didn't allow fear to run my decisions, I just went for it. In fact, I was always working on some type of project I was passionate to work on. Doing this has allowed me to appreciate all the other opportunities in my life outside of work/passion life. And now, as a father of two wonderful children I've enlisted my focus on being the best possible parent I can be, with less focus on work, and without the strain of a less accomplished life.

My life has been filled with all different kinds of achievements over the years. But, as I look back I realize these aren't important to anybody else but myself. This fact let me to believe that the type of happiness we all long for only exists within our relationships with other people, including our friends, family and those we choose to spend our days with. Definitely not something you can buy in a store.

I'm blessed to experience life through my own eyes. I am more happy today than ever before. I have better friends, a refreshed perspective of reality and my days are spent with great people. And, although I'm only half the age of 70, I am blessed to be able to say that I'm content with the life that was served to me, and I will continue to see the positive in my experiences as I move forward. Life is a beautiful thing.

Moral of the story: Don't wait too long to for fill your passions. Take the opportunity right now to complete the tasks you've been meaning to get at for years. Kickstart your imagination. When you are sitting in your rocking chair at 70 you're going to be asking yourself these exact same questions. What will your answers be?