I think this is a good post. Finding meaning in life is about the items you mentioned: family, connecting with people, following a passion, living an intellectual life, etc.

On the purpose in life item, I’m not sure every single individual has a given purpose (unless they are extremely gifted in one area: math, music, sport, etc.), rather you can define purpose by selecting all the important things in life and focusing on them (a stimulating job, a loving family, etc.)

My two cents,
Vincent

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

I’m in my late thirties, and I have just started back to school to be a teacher; however, there is still a part of me that would love to write.

The problem is figuring out what I have to say.

I don’t necessarily believe in fate or destiny – but it does seem that some things turn out the way they were supposed to.

Doing what you feel called to do is important not only for yourself, but for others because that passion shines through to them too.

I’ve only recently discovered that there is maybe something I’m “supposed” to be doing, I just don’t know what it is yet.

Great article!

Thanks

As I sat there in that meeting, I thought about my children in daycare in the next state and realized that I have given 8+ years to this organization and even though it is a good company, my heart is not here. I have talents that I am not using and a dream business that I have been stalling on starting.

I walked back to my office, started my computer and there was this article. I realized that what you said is true – “An upper middle class lifestyle offers enough material comfort to cover up for many, many little internal challenges, after all.” – my high-level job is good pay but I barely see my kids, I have a huge amount of debt and a dream that is slipping away.

I printed out your article to remind me of this dream. I am starting it today.

Thank you Trent.

But lately, I feel like I see a shape through the fog, a hint of what might be. It’s well into the “people are going to think I’m nuts” category. It is so scary, but a deep sense of peace creeps in behind the fear. I’m going to keep baby-stepping towards it, & not look away again.

As for the 30 year old pop-star wannabe–he should continue until it isn’t fun anymore or until he becomes a pop-star.

Keith

“I often find that people have an innate sense that there is some purpose they have in life, but often they haven’t quite figured out what that purpose is yet. And they’re flailing.”

I’ve been obsessed with cars since childhood and I knew that my career would be car related. Though I have an OK job in the auto industry, I still feel like I’m “flailing” at the end of the day, searching for my true purpose in life.

Your post comes at a time when I’ve been feeling down. Thanks for the encouragement.

And I firmly believe that each person has a unique place to fill, which no one else can fit. I am thankful that you have found yours. As a single, disabled mom of six, I sure appreciate the suggestions and strategies that you share.

What helps even more, though, is finding someone with the same mindset towards family and finances and “stuff”; it is just such an encouragement not to be doing the Lone Ranger thing on this. Bringing up my kids this way is out of synch with prevailing cultural values, and I appreciate the reassurance and reinforcement of a more frugal, more fun, more family-centered lifestyle.

Thanks!
A fellow Iowan…
Alyson