Who are you? Why are you here? How can you live a meaningful life?
People have grappled with these questions since time immemorial.
In recent weeks, I've heard from several women navigating different transitions, reflecting on matters of meaning and purpose for their next chapters.
Transitional times can be physiological (menopause, aging), emotional (divorce, empty nest, retirement), or mental (major decisions). These times are actually perfect for asking life's big questions.
In my experience, our yearning for depth and significance only grows more potent in the second half.
I'm always looking for fresh thinking about these age-old questions and how to find clear answers. Since some of you have expressed interest, this will be the first article in a series I'm calling Women Doing Life on Purpose.
The Four Pillars of Meaning
Emily Esfahani Smith's book The Power of Meaning helped me through one of my transitions. Here's what she discovered:
In talking to many different people about what makes their lives meaningful and reading a lot of philosophy, psychology, and literature about how to live a meaningful life, I began to see patterns emerge. People tended to talk about four different things.
Belonging is about nurturing genuine connections with others. Embrace shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and acts of kindness. Invest time in relationships that bring out your best. Seek communities where you can be your authentic self and feel genuine belonging.
Purpose is about reflecting on our passions, values, and talents to uncover our unique callings. (Having more than one calling and more than one purpose at a time? Completely okay.)
Your purposes need not be grandiose or dictated by societal expectations. They should be deeply personal and authentic expressions of who you are. You can build purpose into your work, hobbies, relationships, or acts of service. Look for opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small.
Storytelling is about crafting our life stories. Reflect on past experiences, appreciate the present moment, and envision a future filled with possibilities. (Focusing on possibility becomes even more vital as we age.)
Welcome the triumphs and challenges as integral parts of your unique narrative. Your story is yours to tell—by sharing it with others, you create connection and find deeper meaning in your own journey.
Transcendence is the realm beyond our individual concerns and limitations. Seek moments of awe and wonder through nature, spirituality, art and beauty. Engage in meditation, prayer, or mindfulness to tap into peace and interconnectedness.
When people say that their lives have meaning, it’s because three conditions have been satisfied: they evaluate their lives as significant and worthwhile—as part of something bigger; they believe their lives make sense; and they feel their lives are driven by a sense of purpose.
Here’s one thing I know for sure:
No matter where you are in the second half of life, you are not defined by your age. You are defined by the vibrancy of your spirit and the richness of your experiences.
You can always shape your destiny and infuse your life with purpose and meaning. It’s never too late.
[ Please note: You can read the second article in the Women Doing Life on Purpose series here, and the third here. ]
The Power of Meaning | Bookshop
What's Your Primary Source of Meaning in Life? | Emily Esfahani Smith's Helpful Quiz
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ADVICE AND INSPIRATION FOR FEELING WILDLY ALIVE
3 Tips for Telling Your Meaningful Life Story
We’ve heard it over and over again — that the one thing guaranteed to all of us in life is change. But as we ride through the inevitable ups and downs, how do we make sense of who we are, what we’ve been through and what we’ve learned?
Could Your Life Story Use an Update? | TED Ideas
Are You in an Emotionally Secure Relationship?
Clinical psychologist and writer Nick Wignall teaches that emotional health comes from good habits, not just nice ideas. In the same way that the body relies on healthy habits and exercise to stay fit and strong, emotional health depends on good habits of mind.
Looking at healthy, emotionally secure relationships, you’ll almost always find three things at work.
3 Signs of an Emotionally Secure Relationship | Nick Wignall
Glennon's Podcast: We Can Do Hard Things
We are all doing hard things every single day. Author Glennon Doyle's mission with this podcast is to help each other carry the hard so we can all live a little bit lighter and braver, more free and less alone.
It's honest, informative, and funny, with impressive guests.
We Can Do Hard Things | WCDHT Podcast
Why Walking Is One of the Best Forms of Exercise
Walking is an underrated brain and heart healthy exercise. Regular walks may help with everything from lowering blood pressure to boosting creativity.
Higher step counts are associated with greater health benefits. But there's no evidence that you have to take 10,000 steps a day to reap the benefits of walking.
14 Benefits of Walking | Good Rx
Little Bits of Light
Words to open your heart and SOOTHE YOUR SOUL
Thank You for Sharing
How She Thrives!
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