The Meaning of Life

Life can be tiring, aggravating, dull and routine. It has its ups that are absolutely wonderful and exciting and its downs, that are dull and depressing. Everyone, regardless of who they are, whether rich or poor or somewhere in between, experiences the highs and lows that we call life.

How does one find meaning in life? Is it a conscious decision? For some of us, it might be. For others, perhaps not. I think it depends upon what your particular meaning is. For instance, I take great pleasure in helping others where and when I can. I don't have a lot of money per se, but when I go through my son's clothing that he's outgrown or toys he no longer plays with, I bag them up and bring them to our local church. I do the same with mine and my husbands clothing. I know that they will be used by others who can use them and will appreciate them. I find great meaning in this, and it makes me feel good to know I have helped someone in some way.  I also belong to an internet site called Freecycle.org, which is part of The Freecycle Network, a nonprofit organization and a movement of people interested in keeping good stuff out of landfills.  Just sign on and register in your area.  It's another way to do something to help out not only others, but the environment as well.

It wasn't until recently that I thought seriously about "the meaning of life." When I was in my teenage years, I felt invincible. Never did I think about my future further than what I was going to wear the next day. The teenage years are quite selfish years, and very rarely do teenagers give any great thought to the meaning of life. There are exceptions, to be sure, but in my opinion, these are rare.

In my twenties, I was married with a child. I loved being a mother and wife, though I didn't realize it at that time. It wasn't until I divorced, and tried life one on one that I realized how much I had loved it. I don't remember thinking too much about what life meant to me. I was still young with oh so many years ahead of me still.

My thirties were a whirlwind. Had anyone inquired of me what the meaning of life was, I probably would have answered, "I have absolutely no idea", and I would have meant it, although I was starting to ponder the question a bit more. I was beginning to search for meaning to my life.

I am now closer to fifty than I find imaginable. Not because I look at fifty as being old, but rather because I view it as a milestone. I find myself reflecting on my past, with all of the choices and decisions I made and trying to find meaning in them. It is, at times, a painful process, but I believe that once I can reflect back and feel peace in my heart, I will be content knowing that my life did, indeed, have meaning.