Undaunted Joy #200
In Finding Meaning
When I get together with friends, I usually ask them what themes keep coming up. If someone were to ask me such a question right now, the theme of finding meaning is reoccurring.
I am to the point where I am unsure if it is coming up organically now or if I am the one that keeps bringing up the topic.
It started a few months ago. People would ask for a coffee or call with me to tap my thoughts on writing. I noticed that many of these people were in a transitional place in their life; perhaps there was a change in employment, or the kids were moving out or they were retiring. In most situations, time was freeing up.
Many wanted to know how to get into writing, even though, they did not write to begin with, not even keeping a regular journal. I began to see that these chats weren’t about writing but about finding meaning.
For a few, this was the time in life when a spouse, children or grandchildren would have taken time and focus but they had been so busy with that which occupied them, that these things did not happen. Or they did not instill that value in their own children. They didn’t want to press or be nosy, and their own children never got married or if they did, they were now past the window to have children of their own.
Perhaps it is because I am happy person or one who listens, or perhaps because I am not afraid of heavier topics or because I am a faith filled person, these conversations find me.
It is not writing itself that is the answer. It is about find meaning in one’s life.
What is your Philosophy of Life? What are the codes, morals and principals which guide your life? Many have not thought about it. They have not been intentional. Life sort of just happened. Spending a little time with this question gives the rest of life and its questions focus.
For me, it is my faith in Christ. He is who I move and breathe and find my meaning. All flows from this.
What Transcendentals (Beauty, Goodness and Truth) are you most attracted to? Transcendentals are windows to the transcendent, to God. They are what is calling you to meaning. Focusing on those will guide your quest to meaning. For one, it might be volunteering, spending time and energy on what is good in the world. For another, it might be music, the beauty of which stirs their soul.
We were made for relationship. Who are your people? Your family first and foremost but perhaps you do not have a family, or it is small or distant in emotion or space. Find people to be with and invest in them. Learn to be in community. This is how life is meant to be lived. This is how we grow into better versions of ourselves and how we build memories and experiences.
I am still sorting these themes and thoughts but want to be intentional about living a life of meaning, for myself and for others.
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This post marks my 200th post under the heading of Undaunted Joy. I am moving into a new thing. I am unsure what it is, but is it full of Auspicious Anticipation whatever it may be. Let’s move there together with intentionality and of course, joy.
What I’m Reading
Epictetus has been my companion this week as I think about being intentional with the way you live life. Highly recommend this book. With one page aphorisms, it is easy to take in. Buy your copy here.
Extremely close to 100 reviews on Amazon for my book Undaunted Joy. If you have read it, please consider an Amazon or Goodreads review. They really bolster spirits and make some sort of algorithm difference. If you haven’t read it, what are you waiting for!? Buy your copy here.
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