This post first appeared on the 1st things 1st blog.
Earlier I described how people are different by finding meaning either in having, or being, or doing. And then, I introduced you to the Ikigai concept and ways to figure out your Ikigai. This time I want to explore more of the territory of meaning. You shouldn’t necessarily have one true calling, monetized, and useful for others, to live a meaningful life.
Care about yourself
It is challenging to be happy with your life if you are always disappointed about yourself and your achievements. You have to love yourself and not attach your happiness only to success. Life is a rollercoaster. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But you must try your best as much as you can.
Health
Take care of your health. The life will be more fulfilling if you are fit and healthy when your body is sound, and your mind is clear.
Finances
Save some money. Have some savings at least for half a year of expenses. You never know when you might need to spend extra.
Spirituality
Learn to understand yourself at your deepest. Learn to control your attention. Calm down the storms in your head. Live life as peacefully as you can. You can!
Inspiration
Travel. Visit galleries, museums, theaters, and movie theaters. Browse exciting information online. Try foods and drinks. Explore nature. Get hobbies.
Challenges and adventures
From time to time, try doing something that you haven’t done before. Visit a new country. Sing karaoke. Try a new sports activity. Speak in front of a group of people. Challenge yourself doing something for 30 days to form new habits.
Home
Clean up the mess at your home. Make your bed in the morning. Clean up your desk. Don’t keep things that bring you negative emotions in front of your eyes, but gather things that bring you joy.
Care about others
Being content with yourself is crucial, but even more important is what you do interacting with others while being self-contented.
Family and Relatives
Respect your parents and elders. There were lots of times when you got help from them. There will come a time when you will have to help them. Call or visit them regularly. Keep contact.
When or if you have children, love them and be a role model to them. They are the ones who will continue the circle of life.
Romantic Relationships
Don’t waste yourself. Try to find meaningful relationships. And when you do, cherish and appreciate the moments.
Friends
Once in a while, meet your friends. Party together, have in-depth conversations, travel as a group. Show them your most authentic self. Keep their secrets. Support them in difficulties.
Pets
If you choose to have a dog, a cat, or a chinchilla, you must take care of them no less than of your other family members. Provide food for them, take care of their health, allow them to live a joyous life.
Neighborhood
Know and respect your neighbors. Keep your stairway and yard clean. Participate in the events of the neighborhood. When you party, inform your neighbors in advance about the possible noise. If they party, be the last one to call the police.
Communities
Be a member or a board member of your local, regional, and global communities of interest. Provide help when you have time and resources, or money otherwise.
Causes
Whether you care about human rights or animal wellbeing, local communities or remote disaster relief, arts or sport, science achievements or religion; there is always some organization that acts in that area and needs your financial help. Donate some money now and then to support your cause.
Help communities and organizations with make-impact.org
You will be able to choose an organization of your interest and support them financially at user-centered donation platform make-impact.org. Until it is ready, you are welcome to do that through other channels, like their direct websites, Facebook fundraisers, or crowdfunding platforms. Use your chances to make a positive impact around you.
My Case
Do I live my full potential? I don’t get or experience everything all at once. But I try to seize the day as much as possible. If not now, then when?
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Cover photo by Miguel Perales.