What is the meaning of life?
"The best things in life aren't things" - Art Buchwald
One Size Does Not Fit All
This is a question that has been asked countless times throughout human history and no one's answer is ever identical to another. I think that learning that there is not necessarily a wrong or right answer is the first step to understanding and learning your own meaning of life.
Take A Risk
I have noticed that with age comes skepticism. Whether it was taught in childhood or taught in misplaced trust, the older people become, the more distrusting and skeptical they become. I have noticed that many people perform research before making decisions. Admittedly, when it comes to high-stake situations it is smart to do so. However, I have noticed that people have allowed this to deter them from taking ANY risk.
This
is
wrong
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Life comes from new experiences and the risks that are taken. If nothing is ever at stake, then is anything ever gained? If you are curious about your meaning of life, then I recommend you take risks, experience variety, and seek discomfort.
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My Meaning of Life
Ever since reading The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad in high school, I've been in search of an answer to the historic question. After many conversations, experiences both good, bad, and sad, and self-reflection, I have determined that my meaning of life is in the relationships and experiences I have in my life. I came to this conclusion by thinking of what I liked most from my life if it were to end today. What came to mind was not money, grade, or fame, it was the friendships I made and strengthened as well as the adventures I willed myself to embark on. This is what made me realize what I value and it made me prioritize them in my life.
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Each one of us will have a final day, I invite everyone to discover what they value and reprioritize their lives in a way that better reflects those items.