Do I matter, you may ask yourself. What meaning do I have in the life of others, in my own life, in the world? Yes, you matter and I will tell you why.
The religious world tells us meaning is only found in obeying God [and their decrees] -- nowhere else. Yet one is left to feel inadequate, not good enough, or worse, doomed to the hell they are taught exists for those who do not obey every command. Since it becomes apparent no one can keep strict observance of every command continually, this becomes their conclusion of themselves. That is crap.
Educational systems say meaning is found in acquired knowledge, good grades, honours, degrees. Yet, in all of that achievement, one is left not only with massive debt, but a mediocre job, medicore income, and a very real sense of something still missing.
Society says meaning is found in success, money, position, power, possessions. Yet in all of this one still longs for meaning in life, all the while admitting none of those things created fulfillment or happiness.
Science tells us meaning is found in the universe, in understanding the body, the mind, health, and medicine. Yet in all of the studies, findings, experiments, medicine, one still searches for meaning.
Business says we find our purpose in success, exceeding expectations, climbing the ladder, making the company a lot of money, reputation, awards, top performance, and so on. Yet in all of that achievement, still... a sense of longing for a higher purpose prods, relentlessly taps the shoulder of our mind and heart.
How is this possible? We do all the things we are told bring us meaning. Like soldiers who obey commands, we march. Yet still one does not find meaning in all of the things we are told bring us our purpose. So, the journey begins to hide to escape in alcohol, drugs, food, psychotherapy, self-help books, programs, societies, clubs, social media, bars, friends, work, bad relationships, etc. Then in all of that, one uses those experiences to "prove" there is something wrong with them or they would not do those things, make those mistakes, live like "that." More crap.
Life inevitably becomes a cycle of searching and never finding, living in unproductive ways that produce mistakes, failure, unwanted results, disapproval from family, and negativity, and then becomes the "I told you so" we often use as the proof we are somehow failing or do not matter.
That is crap. Yes, total crap. You know it is, I know it is, let's just call it what it is... crap.
We confuse growing and evolving with a false concept of inadequacy and never realize the true essence of life is change, is growth, is evolving (boy was that word a no-no in religion), and is the betterment of us.
Life is not a strict set of rules by which we fail or succeed, a series of mistakes that condemn us. God doesn't sit somewhere in the sky like some sort of Santa Claus giving great gifts to "good" people and withholding from the "bad" ones, loving only those who perfectly live, and being angry with those who can't seem to get it right! That is CRAP.
We always strive toward something better, always.
There is nothing wrong with you, nothing wrong with me. As human beings, we seek to evolve to our higher selves and in that process, see that we must evolve, we must become better.
How do we do this? I will tell you the only way is to focus on the good. The good in you, it's there, the good in others, it is there, and the good in your life. It is all there. This is the only real way to find your meaning. Why? Because any other form of thinking, acting, living, talking, or being just does not make us happy inside. We cannot live our purpose unless and until we change the way we think, first and foremost, about ourselves. Our worth is not in anything others say it is, it is in what God says, and He said He created us in His Image. We are God's highest form of creation and God loves us. No matter what. There is comfort in that, and the faulty, negative opinions of other will never change that fact.
In all of your getting, get understanding. That is great advice in the Bible. Understanding of you, your greatness, it's there. You know it is.
Finding the good = gratitude, gratitude = serving and helping others, and that = meaning and purpose in life. Focus on the good and positive and in doing so you have found the answer.
That is the search for meaning and purpose, the meaning you know is there. God placed within each one of us individuality and gifts that we each have. No one else will ever have the unique gift you have, and when we use our gifts, we have then found our meaning and purpose.
Remember, As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
xoxo
