Step 1: The Importance of Purpose and Meaning

To cope, heal, embrace harmony, and find peace in your life, it is essential to gain a sense of purpose and mission. What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of relationships would you like to enjoy? What are some things you would like to experience during your life? What are some things you would like to achieve? Do you have some talents or interests that you would like to develop and share? What do you believe God wants you to accomplish while you are in this life? What do you care about most? How do you want to spend your time during your life? What goals do you desire with all your heart to achieve?

All these questions have to do with desire, hope, and a sense of mission in life. Feeling a sense of meaning and purpose in life is essential for our happiness and growth. We agree with the philosopher Nietzsche who wrote, “He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.” Victor Frankl, in his timeless book “Man’s Search for Meaning”, said: “This is the last of all human freedoms – the will for meaning – the ability to choose one’s attitude in any set of circumstances.”

We agree with the statements by Nietzsche and Frankl. It is our right, opportunity, and ability, to choose meaning in our life. This includes the meaning of our life experiences and circumstances. The principles of “agency,” “choice,” and “meaning,” are all related to our own personal spirituality. We have the power in our lives to ascribe positive meaning. As long as we get to choose – even though it can be difficult – we may as well spend more time finding positive meaning rather than negative meaning about others, ourselves, and our lives. We may as well live towards “what is,” rather than “what is not.” This inclination to see the good, impacts not only our physical, mental, and emotional life – but it impacts our relationships and our spiritual life as well.

This growth path is designed to help you feel a sense of purpose and meaning in your life, through self-help exercises as well as other insights and activities based on spiritual direction in an inclusive manner.

Have you ever pondered about the purpose and meaning of your life? Share your insights or current thoughts in the box below.