Two Steps Left in Our Journey

We are 60% through our journey to lead a better, more flourishing life. We have studied positive emotions, engagement, and relationships and are now moving toward meaning in our lives. Our jobs, relationships, hobbies, and many other ways can achieve this. When I say meaning, I mean meaning beyond ourselves. This means that affecting others is the goal because affecting others not only gives you satisfaction but also positively changes things for the better.

I had two reminders of creating meaning in our lives through others. Once on vacation in the beautiful beaches of South Carolina, my sons and I had some extra time on our hands. So, as families arrived, we helped them unload. We’d take our Notre Dame golf cart around until we saw someone unpacking. Then we’d help. It was joyous. Then, the following day, we got the surprise of our lives. We had multiple brand-new Notre Dame clothing sitting in our golf cart! To this day, when I wear one of those gifts, I smile about the gifts that were so kindly given. We didn’t do it for reward; they didn’t do it out of obligation; we just did something that mattered to others.

I have a pocket watch. It was given to me when he noticed I didn’t wear a watch. She found a broken watch at a thrift store and repaired it. I wind it each night and think of my blessings. Is it a world changer? No. But it reminds me daily of what I have. And I have told him how he changed my routines because of it!

My point is that doing something that matters beyond yourself isn’t measured by size or cost. Just by…