Some time ago one of my friends on the social network Facebook posted a status update which asked, 'What is the meaning of life?'
I was immediately prompted to respond with with another question - whose life?
Many of us, particularly as we get a little more mature, begin to get a longing for some meaning in our lives. This often prompts a search for teachers, books, classes or experiences that might help us discover what the meaning of life is, or at least add a little more meaning to our lives, which can for some, at times, feel rather meaningless. Many find that this search seems endless, that despite endless searching and learning, one is always left feeling that something is still missing. Why might this be?
Consider the possibility that searching far and wide for 'THE Meaning' is completely futile, a red herring. Consider the possibility that the meaning of your life is as individual as you are. Go to the library and look at the thousands of books on the shelves. Each is unique and each has its own unique meaning. There are similarities such that the librarian is able to categorise the books so that we can find them more easily. Yet each book is unique and all are valuable. There are not some books which are right and some which are wrong.
So if the meaning of your life is individual to you, then how can you find out what it is?
You do not find out what it is. You create it. You are the author of your life story. The meaning of your life is whatever meaning you choose to give it.
You do not discover meaning. You create meaning.
The creation of meaning is the purpose of your life.
This does not mean that searching, learning and seeking out new experiences are not worthwhile. Just like an author who performs research before writing a book, it can be useful to fill yourself up with many ideas, information and experiences to use in your creation.
But ultimately, one day, you will stop your research and start your creation. On that day, the meaning of your life will begin to take shape.
Search within the Happy Cow Website
The Happy Cow website and all articles on it are created entirely voluntarily and free of charge. However, if you feel that anything on the site has been of value to you, you may wish to make a voluntary contribution to the upkeep of the site. Click on the 'Donate' button below.
If you have an inspiring tale or some interesting philosophy to share with us, please feel free to e-mail your ideas to
contributions@happycow.org.uk.
