We have all been groomed to believe that the ultimate goal in life should be to obtain happiness. We have been taught this concept by our parents, teachers, and society as a whole. When people refer to happiness they often refer to finding a career that pays good money and finding someone to share the rest of your life with. Does working a good paying job equate to having a job that has provided meaning and purpose in your life? Does spending the rest of your life with someone suggest that you have found a partner who opens your eyes to your actual story? Recent research is finding that instead of chasing happiness we should aim to chase meaningfulness as it provides us with a better sense of what our journey is and what our significance is here on Earth. I recently listened to a TedTalk podcast titled " There's more to life than being happy" which highlighted this exact theme I am focusing on today. In this podcast, Emily Esfahani Smith, said that there are four pillars of meaningfulness. The four pillars of meaningfulness include belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling. Belonging is associated with being accepted for who we are in our familial, romantic, and professional relationships. Purpose refers to the way in which we use our advantages to serve others. This is your why, the reason you are motivated everyday, and the reason you are able to move forward everyday. Majority of people find their purpose at work, but you can discover your purpose through hobbies and volunteer activities as well. Transcendence is the way that we feel connected to a higher reality (e.g God). This can be experienced through prayer or even meditating. While engaging in transcendence we often lose track of time and become empowered by the higher reality. Storytelling is sometimes referred to as the most important pillar of meaningfulness. Storytelling relates to the story you are able to tell about yourself. You are the author of your story and can rewrite this story how you want to. You are able to erase plans for your future goal list and alter them to align with your purpose in life. Most people identify their purpose when writing and reflecting on their story. For example, my medical diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis allowed to me to identify a purpose I knew I needed to fulfill. I knew that I needed to be a voice for people living with this disease who experience extreme symptoms. I knew that I needed to consider conducting medical research on Myasthenia Gravis to increase the likelihood that a cure will be found. When I received the diagnosis, I was able to rewrite my story to fulfill my purpose. The concept of choosing meaningfulness over happiness is quite interesting and one that we should all consider. Meaningfulness is all about determining what you have gained and what you have lost in order to grow and love. Happiness is a state whereas, meaningfulness is a constant reflection on the past, present, and future. Meaningfulness suggests that you chose to give to others whereas, happiness suggests you achieved this state through receiving from others. A meaningful life leaves a lasting impression and a happy life becomes just a memory. - The Jay Word
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