What is life about? What is the meaning of life? Why do we exist?
Everyone, from ancient Greek Stoics all the way to modern lifestyle gurus, have answered these kinds of questions in an endless variety of ways. And yet, we still search for a satisfying answer.
Neither this article, nor any other one, can deliver a tangible solution to the curious case of life. And that’s okay!
The truth is, part of what makes the meaning of life so alluring is its engrossing diversity, mystery, and intangibility. However, it’s important to point out that the lack of a solid answer doesn’t mean it’s not worth looking for one.
The search for what life is about is a journey that each individual person must embark on for themselves. Each person must look for their own, uniquely fulfilling answer to the question.
Fortunately, there are many different behaviors, ideals, and actions that humans have found over the centuries that can be excellent methods to draw us towards that final conclusion of why we exist.
Here are 5 handful ways to kickstart the adventure of finding out just what life is really about:
1. Love people
Like life, love is one of the most commonly discussed, yet elusive things that humans encounter. Is it a behavior? A lifestyle? A person or object? A relationship with God? It’s used in all of these ways, depending on the context.
However, one thing that always remains is that love is a powerful force for good. Many of the most meaningful things in life.
2. Detox from technology and gain perspective
We have the extremely important need to detox from time to time. Modern life is fraught with dangerously addicting distractions like social media, that can take up gobs of time without our ever even realizing it. Life doesn’t simply happen in a vacuum, though.
Once you’ve managed to disconnect from those devices and social profiles, it’s important to take that time and energy and redirect it towards a healthier mindset.
Spend time meditating, praying, and even simply dwelling on an attitude of gratefulness. Find things that you’re thankful for and make an effort to express appreciation for what you have on a regular basis, rather than envying others as we scroll through our Facebook feeds.
3. Look for meaningful ways to give back
Donations and charities aren’t lacking these days. In fact, the phenomenon of charitable giving is at an all-time high. But just because we know how to give doesn’t mean we’re really, truly invested in giving back to others.
Real, honest giving doesn’t come out of personal abundance and overflow, nor does it typically take the form of a crisp dollar bill. It comes out of a desire to help others — a desire that can be huge in helping to get a healthy perspective of life.
If you want to find out more about life, consider genuinely giving back to the world around you.
4. Try a hobby
Small treats are perfectly fine, but they don’t go very far in helping us truly appreciate life itself. Instead, try looking for a new challenge.
Find a hobby that indulges your interests and simultaneously challenges your skills. Dive into a pursuit that has always intrigued or fascinated you, but you’ve never had the time to explore on your own. Practice a new instrument, go fly fishing, try painting, learn a language — the world’s your oyster!
5. Never stop learning
The truth is, learning should be a lifelong process. Healthy humans are always in a state of learning. They see what’s around them and want to learn more, understand more, and see why everything is the way it is.
This doesn’t mean you need to manufacture a desire to start reading textbooks on calculus in order to see what life is about. It’s simply an encouragement to start to take an interest in the world around you.
