In life, we’re all searching for something, one way or another.

Some are searching for social status and the envisioned prestige much associated with it. And some will attain this through a long career, but a rewarding one that will get them what they want so long as their eyes are set on that coveted prize.

Some are searching for a simpler life, one without the clutter, not just in things but in mind and spirit as well. And some will attain this through a multitude of ways: minimalism, Yoga, a retreat from the tethered world of technology, quiet reflection and a time for your thoughts to brew, mindful healthy habits, and so on.

Some are searching for a deep and profound love, an unconditional one, if at all possible. And some will attain this through a loyal and supportive partner, meaningful relationships with close family and trusted friends, unbreakable bonds that turns perfect strangers into the best of friends, a spiritual and/or religious relationship with your God, and so on.

Through all this, and many more examples, us as human beings have at least one thing in common: we are all searching for meaning in our lives.

Why else do we read self-help/career/business books on the power of believing in oneself, on saying ‘yes’ to some things but more importantly, ‘no’ to what doesn’t matter, on how to get along with others, on how to make money, on how to land that dream job, on how to have the right attitude no matter what situation befalls us?

Why else do we attend lectures, conferences, summits, retreats and symposiums to hear qualified and trained speakers elaborate on the aforementioned topics?

Why else do we pour our hearts out to our colleagues at work, the ones you see more often than your loved ones at home, about everything that is bothering you, but at the same time, everything that you are enjoying or are looking forward to?

Why else do we watch TV, seeing drama-filled lives on the screen and thanking God that our lives (sometimes) aren’t as bad as theirs?

Why else do we bow our heads in deep prayer in churches and temples the world over, praying to one’s God our most sought after wish, hope, dream or wanting?

In the end, we want to know that our lives have mattered. That we have made a difference in this world, someway, somehow. That we lived our lives with fervent passion, audacity, determination, and purpose.

And ultimately, that it was a life filled with meaning.

You may search high and low, far and wide, from the depths of the deep blue ocean to the heights of the snow-capped mountains, from one corner of the vast world to the other … all because we want our lives to matter and to have that make sense to us.

But often, we struggle with meaningless lives and that is due to our unnerved habit of doing meaningless things.

Meaningless things can be in the form of a mindless habit of collecting without purpose, of accumulating all that you can accumulate here on Earth, just to have it all turn to ash and dust not long after our deaths.

Meaningless things can be in the form of an unsatisfying career, one that does not bear sweet fruit for all your hard labor. And not just your labor, but your time — time with which you will never get back. No matter how many figures you earn per year, you only watch your child grow up once. Do not make the mistake and live with unsettling regret of poor choices made in life, especially when it comes to career and family.

Meaningless things can be in the form of negative relationships with people who are no good to you, nor you to them. It’s okay to part ways; the world is filled with diverse people. You’ll surely find another friend.

Self-evaluate often and remember to not neglect yourself. Otherwise, you need not go far to find a complete stranger in your very own home.

As you search for meaning in your life, do not fear looking in places you wouldn’t have thought of. Of trying new and scary things. Of talking with other people who are incredibly different than you, not just in skin, but in thoughts and beliefs. Of getting out there and overcoming your struggles and fears, be it public speaking, heights, learning how to ski, moving out of your hometown, decluttering.

Through this conscious act of searching, oftentimes the by-product of meaning ensues, as it ought to ensue.

For once you’ve discovered meaning in your life, doesn’t life take on a whole new level of appreciation?

It’s beautiful, isn’t it?