The Meaning of Life

What gives my life meaning? This question may feel deeply personal, as though every answer would be completely unique. And yet, time and time again, when people are asked, there’s a striking common thread, and that is that the answers involve giving to others in some way. So the wording may be “being a good mother,” “making a difference,” “leaving a trace,” “being useful,” or “helping people through my work,” but all those answers point toward doing good for others in some form. Even though we all express it differently, a deep sense of well-being and purpose often comes from contributing to something beyond ourselves.