BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality New Age Personal Meaning: Looking for Stories

Hi Lauren and all <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />,

I'm currently writing a book about personal meaning. I'm looking for personal stories about how something (or even someone) has given your life meaning. That is, a reason to get up in the morning.

Many people struggle with a lack of personal meaning which often causes depression. It may be that they're looking for the "big things" to give them meaning...or, meanings created by someone "out there", e.g. a religion, institution, culture, or family member.

I realize that meaning/purpose may be multiple and oscillating. But what I'm looking for is some kind of hobby, vocation, practice or path (spiritual or mundane) that adds meaning to your life right now--bringing you joy, peace, and a sense of purpose. What do you turn towards, especially in confusing and difficult times? I'm looking for a personal, heartfelt piece about what "gets you up in the morning". When times get tough, what do you look to for solace and meaning?

Don't disregard "ordinary" things. While most people would include obvious or (supposedly) "big" things like relationships, family, and faith, I'm especially looking for oft overlooked things. Personally, I don't feel anyone's personal meaning is more important or valid than another.

Here are some possible ideas to stimulate your creative juices. (The "why" of your particular choice is a good place to start in terms of your story):

*A particular music band
*Coffee or tea
*Knitting, crocheting, or other crafting endeavor
*Tarot, Astrology, Sacred Texts, or other specific spiritual practice/path
*Collecting ______
*Reading/learning
*Hobbies
*Vocation, career path or "calling"
*A TV show
*Journaling or reading books

If you don't mind me using your name or location, feel free to include those. If you'd like free publicity (should the story make it into the book) by all means include your website or a short bio. If you do NOT want to use your real name or location, that is fine. Just mention that you prefer I use initials or a pseudonym.

Please use the email address on my personal site (look for Email on the navigation bar to the left) with STORY in the subject line. (This is to insure that spammers won't get my email address by posting it here!)

Many thanks in advance!

Great to hear from you Janet <img src="/images/graemlins/kiss.gif" alt="" />

Sounds like an interesting project you have underway. Good luck with it!

Questions!!! i have endless questions!!! i think, question and talk to everyone anyone... My curiosity keeps me going. my mom says i can argue with a fence post!! but what she can never understand is the more i question the more i learn. i can believe the same thing some one else believe and agrue the opposite just to see why they believe and how strong. its my way of getting to know someone better and myself included!!! i also read crochet and work on the computer. and best of all i have a hubby that loves and supports me even if he dont get the questions i come up with!!
hows that for meaning?

of couse my questions tend to get me in hot water....i guess thats the price one has to pay...

<img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />How come no one is shareing? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I was looking forward to reading everyone elses post... <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

although we were told it didn't have to be earth shaking I think we are all wanting to be a little profound at the least when we answer this one! I've been mulling this over. Certainly my husband, my grandson, my girls give me joy. I love to read and seem to collect cats... but there's got to be something more definitive. So here is what I've decided:
What gives me meaning... what gets me out of bed in the morning? I guess it is the sense of openness that anything can happen today. I look for openings and guidance to let the surprising in. This is very much connected to my deepset (but sometimes unconventional) faith, but it is far more than theology. I try to be obervant enough to find moments for kindness, or for contact one human to another. This does not make me a saint by a long shot. My family will tell you that when I get mad, I can be scarey! I am not even really good with not planning and just going with the flow(ask my husband how easygoing I was in Savannah when we hadn't booked a hotel room!) But I truly believe that each of us has a part to play in day to day little things. If people are searching for meaning in their life, I suggest just looking outwards, not inwards, and be ready to lend a hand somewhere, or receive some great and unexpected delight. Get ready to be surprised. It happens all around us. I truly believe we just have to have our eyes open.
How was that? LOL Trishh <img src="/images/graemlins/kiss.gif" alt="" />

Hi Janet, Hi Lauren <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> well my reason for living are my two boys. Everything I do is always connected to them in some way.

Eva

Hi Janet and everyone!

My reason for living - what gets me up in the morning is the thought of sharing my life experiences through my writings; particularly for the benefit of kids. I like to zoom through basic housework in the morning,(cooking, dishes, laundry, ironing, cleaning) and then sit down and write a piece to help kids learn.

OOOh i knew there were good answers out there i knew it!!!! thanks for shareing! i live for my questions and hubby and friends and family. the more i learn the more questions i have; at this rate, if i have to answer all my questions before i die , i will never die!!! lol

please continue....