meaning “enables people to interpret and organize their experience, achieve a sense of their own worth and place, identify the things that matter to them, and effectively direct their energies.

at its heart, meaning in life refers to people’s beliefs that their lives are significant and that they transcend the ephemeral present.

Studies suggest that people who believe their lives have meaning tend to be happier, with a higher life and work satisfaction, a greater overall well-being, more control over their lives, as well as less negative experiences and mental health conditions, such as fewer instances of depression, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and post-traumatic disorder.

researchers seem to agree that a meaningful life requires comprehension (being able to make sense of your experience), significance (perceiving your life to be worthwhile), and purpose (having goals for your life that you deem valuable).

According to Dr Michael Steger, most of the research on meaning in life concludes that relationships are a primary source of meaning

one of the strongest predictors of how meaningful people perceive their lives to be is… Being reminded of valued sources of meaning.

“Extended over their lifetime, people who are more aware of what makes their lives meaningful, and who can access that content in a deliberate, cognitive fashion, should enjoy more stable and abundant meaning in life.”

ask yourself uncomfortable questions about your values and your goals. What goodness do you want to bring into the world? What will be your legacy?