How purpose, curiosity, growth, and connection add depth to our lives.

Key Points

• Being human is to seek meaning for ourselves in this complex world we inhabit.
• Purpose and connection are two primary modes of meaning creation.
• Through our choices, reflections, and values, we shape the meaning-giving narratives of our lives.
• Meaningful coincidences provide enriched soil from which purpose and connection may be more clearly realized.

Without meaning, life can feel adrift—a sea of facts with no anchor for the self. Meaning is the bridge between awareness and value, connecting what is with why it matters. It helps us navigate life’s challenges, celebrate its joys, and make sense of the in-between moments.

By understanding the dimensions of meaning—existential, symbolic, relational, and emergent—we uncover the many ways it shapes our lives. Whether through deep conversations, acts of kindness, or moments of wonder, meaning is always there, waiting to be discovered or created.

Life’s richness lies in its diversity, in the play between purpose and joy, hardship and growth, awe and connection. So, what gives your life meaning?

Purpose and Connection Create Meaning

Existential meaning often answers the big question: Why does this matter? It’s about finding purpose and connection in life, often through love, creativity, or overcoming adversity. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl argued that meaning is essential for survival, discovered through acts of love, moments of creation, and how we respond to suffering.

Beyond existential purpose, connection to others also anchors meaning in our lives. Shared experiences—whether through family, community, or friendships—remind us that we are part of something larger.

Beyond Purpose and Connection

Meaning can also emerge in more subtle, surprising ways. It often arises in moments of personal growth. Overcoming a challenge, mastering a new skill, or learning from failure enriches our understanding of ourselves and the world. These experiences remind us that progress, no matter how incremental, can hold deep meaning.

Acts of contribution are another way we find meaning. Helping others, creating something valuable, or supporting a cause connects us to something larger than ourselves. Whether mentoring someone, volunteering, or simply offering a helping hand, these moments show how our actions ripple outward.

Curiosity is also a powerful source of meaning. The drive to ask questions and seek answers brings fresh insights and connections. It leads us to explore new ideas, deepen our understanding, and embrace the mysteries of life. Through curiosity, the unknown transforms into a space of discovery and growth, fostering a deeper connection to the world around us.

Meaning also appears in awe-inspiring moments that transcend words—a breathtaking sunset, the stillness of a forest, or the vastness of a starry sky. These experiences remind us of life’s beauty and mystery, connecting us to something greater.

Belonging is another powerful source of meaning. Feeling seen, valued, and included in a family, a group of friends, or a community reminds us that we are not alone. These relationships ground us in a shared sense of purpose.

Even life’s lighter moments—play, creativity, and joy—carry meaning. Dancing, laughing, or immersing ourselves in a hobby connects us to our authentic selves and anchors us in the present.

Resilience, too, shapes meaning. Life’s challenges, while painful, often deepen our appreciation for its complexities. Struggles can transform into strength, revealing new perspectives and inner resources.

And then there are transcendent moments when we feel part of something far greater than ourselves. Through meditation, prayer, or encounters with the sublime, we experience the interconnectedness of all things, offering us profound insights into our place in the world.

Meaningful Coincidences

Meaningful coincidences, such as serendipity and synchronicity, can accelerate meaning in our lives. These moments, where seemingly unrelated events align in unexpected ways, often feel charged with significance. They invite us to pause, reflect, and consider deeper connections between ourselves and the world. Whether it’s meeting the right person at the right time or uncovering patterns that resonate with our inner thoughts, meaningful coincidences bridge the gap between chance and purpose. They evoke wonder, foster curiosity, and often provide support or guidance, reinforcing the idea that life is interconnected and rich with hidden layers of meaning.

Comment: The Meaning of Meaning

Life’s meaning is not static or singular—it is dynamic and ever-evolving, woven into the interplay of purpose, curiosity, growth, connection, and transcendence. It is not confined to grand milestones or significant achievements; rather, it emerges in the subtle, often overlooked moments that fill our daily lives. Often it is the journey not the goal that enriches our lives.

Meaning reveals itself in the rhythms of existence: in the resilience we build through challenges, the joy we find in playful moments, and the awe that stops us in our tracks when we encounter beauty or mystery. It can be as profound as dedicating ourselves to a higher cause or as simple as savoring a quiet morning with a loved one.

Importantly, meaning is something we actively create. Through our choices, reflections, and relationships, we shape the narrative of our lives. It’s found in how we respond to adversity, how we nurture the bonds that matter most, and how we engage with the world around us. Even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, meaning is the compass that guides us, offering direction and grounding.

By staying open to life’s complexities and embracing its diversity, we can uncover the profound richness that meaning brings. So, what gives your life meaning? Perhaps it’s in the connections you cultivate, the growth you pursue, or the moments of curiosity and beauty you pause to appreciate. Life doesn’t hand us meaning; it invites us to create it. And when we do, we discover a deeper sense of fulfillment and belonging—both to ourselves and to the world around us.