Sometimes we get so involved in little things that we spiral down a hole that seems almost impossible to escape. We end up in a place where we feel helpless, lost, and completely overwhelmed out of the fear that this is all there is to life. At the point of the maximum distress, we almost give up and decide to simply fall into a day-to-day routine so that everything is easier. In the process, we give up on our dreams and desires and simply exist.
Such problems we face in our modern world arise from a lack of true life meaning. The pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain are not the only motivators of human activity. The search for meaning is a vitally important element of a healthy human life.
Of course, a lack of meaning is very easy to develop. We live in a society where social competition among the multitudes of people in our everyday lives can overwhelm us. Those who suffer and die around the globe teach us that the regard for human life is a priority. The myriad ways in which we are treated like statistics leads us to believe that we are unimportant.
Instead of developing our unique talents to the unbelievable levels that we are truly capable, we prefer to compare ourselves to others. In the end, we don't even bother to begin the works that could bring us the joy we all hope to have in our lives.
Many people don't know why they are alive, nor do they give it much thought. Yet, a life without meaning is unbearable regardless of what we've come to accept. This is why so many people die within a few short years of retirement. It's why the unemployed feel overwhelmingly depressed and worthless. It's also why some wealthy and famous individuals are desperately unhappy.
To enrich your life and find meaning, realize that life itself is nothing more than a series of events that occur over time. True meaning comes once you are able to effectively handle all of the events that are involved in your life and turn those events into positive enhancements to your daily life. It means nothing without our involvement, in one way or another.
Life is not the problem. Life is never the problem. It is the way we manage our involvement in life that either gives us problems or creates a fulfilling and meaningful life. This sounds overwhelming, but the only way to live a full life and achieve everything that you desire is to take control of your life.
About the Author
Edward B. Toupin is an author, life-strategy coach, counselor, and technical writer living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books, articles, and screenplays on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. For more information, e-mail Edward at etoupin@toupin.com or visit his sites at http://www.toupin.com or http://www.make-life-great.com.