2.3 Possible Sources of Meaning and Purpose

Recognizing where meaning and purpose might manifest can help those who are looking for a place to start. Consider the following sources in no particular order:

Serving Others

Engaging in acts of kindness, volunteering, and caregiving can uplift those in need while enhancing the giver’s sense of purpose and well-being. Examples of this might include volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbour in need, fundraising for community projects, or providing emotional support to a friend or family member during a challenging time.

Learning & Achievement

Whether paid or unpaid, meaningful work and goal attainment can foster fulfillment and self-efficacy. This also includes immersive states of “flow,” as described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, when one is absorbed in a challenging yet rewarding task (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).  Dedicating oneself to a healthcare role that improves patient lives, working toward a professional certification, developing a new skill (e.g., public speaking or creative writing), or losing track of time when coding a new computer program can lead to a more profound sense of accomplishment and motivation.

Religion & Spirituality

Faith, spiritual practices, and mindfulness offer frameworks for understanding life’s purpose and connecting with something greater than oneself (see Chapter 9). This can also involve grappling with existential questions, including awareness of mortality and impermanence, to deepen spiritual insight. Examples include setting aside time for meditation to cultivate mindfulness, engaging in prayer or reflective practices to foster spiritual connection, attending religious services, or using gratitude journaling to focus on life’s positive aspects.

Relationships, Community & Legacy

Strong bonds with family, friends, and community foster a sense of belonging and significance. Spending quality time with loved ones through family gatherings or cultural celebrations creates shared memories and closeness. Participating in community work, such as organizing a neighbourhood cleanup or volunteering at a charity, builds camaraderie and mutual support. Mentoring younger individuals, like guiding a colleague or teaching a child essential life skills, creates a lasting legacy that continues to influence others.

Creativity, Play & Self-Expression

Embracing playfulness, humour and creativity in the forms of art, music, writing, and other creative outlets enables self-expression, balance and connection. Writing a poem, painting a landscape, or playing an instrument invites personal exploration, while playful activities, like board games or community theatre, support social bonds and joy.

Beauty, Nature & Adventure

Spending time in nature fosters awe, reflection, and a sense of interconnectedness (Capaldi, Dopko, & Zelenski, 2014). Hiking in a national park, kayaking along a serene river, or stargazing on a clear night encourages mindfulness and gratitude. Travelling to new destinations, whether bustling cities abroad or remote mountain villages, fosters adventure and discovery. Observing everyday beauty, such as autumn leaves or the sound of gentle rain, can inspire renewed appreciation for life.

Self-Responsibility

Taking responsibility for one’s actions, choices, and outcomes cultivates a sense of agency and personal growth. For instance, creating and following a consistent exercise routine promotes physical well-being while reinforcing self-care and self-respect. Proactively setting goals and addressing shortcomings, such as mending strained relationships or improving finances, further strengthens a sense of purpose and control over one’s life.

Suffering

Facing personal struggles and adversity can catalyze resilience and transformative growth. By reframing hardships and finding significance in relationships, creativity, or self-responsibility, individuals can derive deeper meaning. To quote Frankl, “The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails gives him ample opportunity- even under the most difficult circumstances- to add deeper meaning to his life” (Frankl, 2006, p. 67). For example, career setbacks can be reframed as opportunities for skill development or new passions. The end of a long, intimate relationship may be an opportunity to reconnect with oneself, explore new interests, or build stronger connections with others.