What really matters in life
It seems that this is your first time to my blog. Welcome! In this blog I will share my ideas on how you can make a living in a way that feels good to you, your family, your environment and everyone around you. If you want to know more about me and this blog, check out my about page. And if you want to stay updated on my new posts, subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for stopping by!
What’s the meaning of life?
A friend asked this question in his Facebook profile a few days ago. I wanted to answer him but soon realized that I didn’t have an answer ready. And apparently it was a hard question for the rest of his friends as well: the only answer to the question was 42, the answer made famous by Douglas Adams.
42 is a great answer. But not very useful.
42 means “I don’t know”.
I used to think that faith would be the answer. But it’s not that either. Faith gives a framework and a reason for us being here, and clues for finding the purpose. My faith tells me that there is a purpose, but it also puts me back to square one: What is that purpose? What is the meaning of life?
Each of us have a different meaning. We have been given different talents. But no matter what our meaning is we should find it and live it. In a great song from my favorite band, Switchfoot
If we only got one try
If we’ve only got one life
If time was never on our side
Before I die I want to burn out bright
You can’t say it much better than that. Life is short. Life is precious. That’s why today I need to do whatever it takes to fill my purpose. Whatever it is.
I can’t say I know exactly why I’ve been put on this planet, but I know that in life some things matter more than others. And that’s a good point to start from: Find the things that matter most to you, and you might be on to something.
Here’s my list of valuable things as of today, in random order (although family always comes first).
- Family: Mari, Oiva, Mom, Dad, Lauri, Jetro, Tiitus, friends and relatives
- Hearing the thunder, feeling the wind, seeing the power of nature
- Being alive, burning out bright!
- Reading
- Writing
- Finding beauty in the small things around me
- Feeding the hungry
- Following Jesus
- Tasting the different tastes of the world
- Giving happily
- Learning, always learning and experimenting
- Drinking hot drinks on a cold day
- Making a difference
Life is short. Make the most out of it!
This month we’re celebrating Insanely Interesting September. Check out the announcement and participate in the group writing project: What do you find interesting today? What makes this September the most interesting so far? Why are you insanely interested in something? Share your thoughts and see what others have written.
If you enjoyed this post and don't want to miss any of my new content, subscribe to my RSS feed or have the latest posts delivered straight to your e-mail inbox.
September 4th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Very inspirational post Jarkko! I agree that I think we all have different meanings and talents and we just have to discover what we’re good at and take full advantage. Some people just discover their purpose sooner than others. Hopefully I can discover mine sooner rather than later. :-)
September 5th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Thanks, Deron! Yep, I hope so too… And I think I’m slowly getting there. ;)
September 5th, 2007 at 10:23 am
A hi-5 to your friend for asking you the “meaning” question and to you for posting your thoughts. I’ve spend four years asking that question and just published a book of my amazing journey.
I’d like you to consider sharing your answer on my site. Your answer automatically enters you into a weekly drawing of a free copy of my book. The invitation is also open to all who reach this post.
Submit answers on the Contact page: http://www.noexpertsneeded.com
Thank you!
Louise
September 5th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
“Nobody is granted with a dream without granting him also with the forces to make it real”
Don’t know who said it, but we (in AIESEC) love quotes. There were/are/will be very clever people out there, more gifted with verbal intelligence and you can find one (or more) nice sentence that sums up your mood, gives you a kick, or the kind of “help” you need.
My personal favourite (and kind of life philosophy as well) is from Eleanor Roosevelt:
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
September 6th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Louise: Your story seems really interesting: I’ll have to spend some more time browsing your page and reading your about thoughts during the weekend!
And then I’m sure I’ll send my answer to you as well :)
Dora: Great quotes!
I’m a huge fan of good quotes as well. It’s awesome to see how well some people have been able to say the exact thing you’re trying to say.