I recently read an author who stated that every January he asks himself the question, “What is the meaning of life?” He goes on to observe that while this question is philosophically and practically important in our lives, rarely do we stop to really answer it. But shouldn’t we?
According to two 2014 studies, individuals who can answer this question, who can articulate the meaning of life and the purpose for theirs, live significantly longer than those who wander through life aimlessly. It seems that this is the case for two reasons.
First, having an understanding of “why you are here” helps a person cope with the daily stresses of life, as they have a broader context to fit the details of the day into. Secondly, those who grasp their purpose for living life in this place and this time, are more likely to make a difference in their world. They look forward to their efforts that impact people’s lives in a constructive way and they also tend to involve themselves in activities that promote their own good health.
So while you may be occasionally asking the question – perhaps it is time to answer it. I would encourage you to check out our resources that can help in your quest.