One Thing I Wish I Had Known When I Was Younger

Although there are many things I wish I had known when I was younger, one in particular would have made a huge difference in my life!

That one thing is understanding that our happiness, in large part, depends upon the meaning we assign to whatever we are doing at any given moment.

I’ve written before about the fact that we assign meaning to individual experiences, but I’m talking now about assigning meaning to daily activities, and why that is so vital to our outlook.

When we get caught up in the mechanics of what we’re doing and lose sight of the purpose, (https://www.melaniebnewman.com/staging/9944/when-responsibility-is-not-a-good-thing/) life can become heavy and burdensome. When we remember the purpose, and give meaning to what we’re doing, we are somehow given the strength, the energy and the enthusiasm to continue.

The secret is to realize that you are the only one who can assign meaning to what you are doing. Others may try, but you are the only one who can know your why.

Think about the meaning you are unconsciously or consciously giving activities, such as,

Getting up and going to work day in and day out?
Preparing another meal?
Doing the laundry every week?
Washing the never-ending piles of dishes?
Studying and writing another paper for school?
Exercising your body?
Getting up and dressed when your body is hurting?
Writing a weekly blog?

Remembering the purpose for what we are doing, thus assigning meaning to our actions, restores our enthusiasm and ability to continue.

Why do you do what you do?

I do laundry, wash dishes and prepare meals because I want to create a loving home where it’s comfortable and safe for my children to grow and develop.
I get up and go to work each day because I’m developing my talents and contributing to my community.
I’m studying countless hours and digging through research to write another college paper because I’m developing my mind and skills with the intent to contribute to society as a capable adult.
I exercise my body to be at my best health to be able to serve and take care of my family.
I get up and dressed each day even though my body is hurting because my life has meaning, and I can serve and share experiences that may bless the lives of others.
I write a weekly blog because I desire to provide hope and to lift and inspire others.