Finding Meaning In Life Can Improve Your Happiness

“Do what makes you happy.”

If you’ve ever felt unsatisfied with a job or any other personal or professional situation, you’ve probably heard that advice in the title until your ears bleed. However, this advice is not only not really helpful, but it’s also somewhat misguided.

Context matters!

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

In today’s world, the pursuit of happiness is a deeply ingrained concept. We’re taught to expect our lives to be fairly happy, and we’re encouraged to do whatever it takes to achieve that.

But, as with everything else in life, happiness isn’t so simple.

What is happiness?

First of all, happiness refers to what you can get from others and your environment. In other words, you’re happy when your material and emotional needs are fulfilled.

Take Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Outdated or not, it gives us an idea of what people need to be happy and the importance of each of those areas in our lives — from basic biological needs like food and shelter to more elevated needs like self-development and creativity.

Sounds simple right?

Needs Vs. Happiness…

However, fulfilling our needs doesn’t always make us happy. And in many cases, that fulfillment comes in direct conflict with our happiness. For example, a job that covers our basic needs for food, shelter, and security could be getting in the way of your need for creativity, flexibility, and freedom.

On top of that, we tend to think of happiness as static, as something you either have or don’t. However, this isn’t the case, at all. Instead, happiness is fluid and fleeting. YOu can be happy for a while and then one small thing changes. Poof — happiness is gone!

The Illusion of Happiness?

So, is the pursuit of happiness an illusion?

Not necessarily. Instead, to find your happiness, you need to redefine it.

We can redefine happiness by making it broader — it’s not just about the nice feeling you get when your needs are met, or when you receive something pleasant from someone else. The narrow definition we all typically use makes happiness more fleeting — it means we are really always searching for it. In the broader definition, it’s also about what you can give to others, and how giving gives you a purpose and a connection to your community.

To psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, giving helps you reaffirm your very humanity. It makes you forget yourself and give yourself to the person in front of you. Luckily, you don’t have to change your entire routine to switch the focus from your own thoughts and needs to someone else’s.

So, What Can We Do?

There are a few simple things you can do to start giving more:

Listen.

See every conversation as a chance to connect with a person. So, instead of just waiting for your turn to speak, pay attention to every word the other person is saying. Notice the tone of his voice, his body language. And don’t forget to ask questions.

Build Things for Others.

Can you knit, make origami figures, or draw? Make something and give it away. Never expect anything in return.

Volunteer.

Take five minutes to think of what’s important for you. What are your values? Is there a cause you’d like to champion? Do you have time or skills to give away to that cause?

Be Kind.

Make it a purpose to be kind to others every single day. Believe it or not, little acts of kindness have a contagious effect. Compliment someone. Notice if she did something with her hair. Help him with his groceries. Offer to do some extra work to help out a colleague.

Become a Mentor.

We all started somewhere. We’ve all been lost, confused, and tired. However, you have answers and insights that can help out someone starting out his journey.

Giving and Happiness

It is understood that all the giving in the world probably won’t make you happy if your basic needs aren’t being met! Hard to be really happy and at peace when you don’t know when your bills are going to be paid!

However, by giving, you’re creating connections with those around you. Life stops being just about seeking satisfaction, and it takes on a deeper layer of commitment. Life is no longer all about you. It’s about creating a positive effect on other people’s lives.

When you engage in actions that transcend your own search for satisfaction, you make your life meaningful. You become part of a community. You assert your humanity. Moreover, you can be happier and more fulfilled.

Blogtober Day 28

Almost there — Blogtober 2019 is almost done.

November News

Last year, I published a 30 Days of Thanks series in a Pinterest Community with mixed success. In light of that, I’m going to publish it again during November on this blog. In fact, there’ll also be a free Workbook that goes along with the posts that you can download. It’s a perfect time to look at all the things we should be grateful for.

Click here for the accompanying journal.

Halloween Roundup

• Other Ways to Celebrate: Other Alternatives to Celebrate, Adult Halloween Parties
• Decorations: Ghost Decorations, Pumpkin Decorations, Bat Decorations, Bathroom Decorations
• Costume Posts: Baby and Toddler Costumes, Superhero Costumes,
• Halloween Food: Creepy Concoctions, Halloween Dinner at Home
• Freebie: Halloween Decor eBook
• If you need an activity book for your kids this Halloween, check this one out: Halloween Activity Book.

Loving Life — The Reboot!

Dominique

This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.