#Overcoming emptiness

[themeaningoflifepodcast]

How to Find My Purpose in Life?: A Practical Guide to Uncovering Your Calling

Feeling lost? We cut through the noise and offer actionable steps to help you explore your values, passions, and the impact you want to make, guiding you towards your unique purpose.

The Universal Longing: The Desire for Direction

One of the most common questions I hear is: How to find my purpose in life? It's a big one, and it can feel overwhelming if you're staring at a blank map. But finding your purpose isn't about discovering some pre-written destiny; it's about actively exploring and creating a path that resonates with your deepest self.

Step 1: Introspection - Tuning Inward to Your Values

The journey to finding your purpose often begins with looking inward. What truly matters to you? What are your core values? These are the principles that guide your decisions and give your life meaning. Take some time for honest self-reflection. What do you stand for? What makes you feel a sense of integrity? Understanding your values is a crucial first step in discovering your purpose.

Step 2: Exploration - Following Your Curiosity and Passions

What lights you up? What do you genuinely enjoy doing? Your passions can be powerful indicators of your purpose. They're the activities that make you lose track of time and feel truly engaged. Don't dismiss those hobbies or interests as mere distractions. They might hold clues to how to find meaning and direction in your life. Experiment, try new things, and pay attention to what sparks your curiosity.

Step 3: Impact - Considering How You Want to Contribute

Purpose often involves a sense of contribution, of making a difference in the world, however big or small. Think about the impact you want to have. What problems do you care about? How can your unique skills and talents be used to serve others or make the world a better place? This doesn't necessarily mean grand gestures; even small acts of kindness and contribution can be deeply purposeful. Consider how to live a life of purpose through your actions.

Step 4: Experimentation - Taking Small Steps and Learning

Finding your purpose isn't usually an overnight revelation. It's a process of experimentation. Try different things, volunteer, take a class, start a side project. Pay attention to what feels fulfilling and what doesn't. Don't be afraid to pivot or change direction. Each experience, even the ones that don't feel like a perfect fit, can offer valuable insights on how to find your calling.

Step 5: Patience and Self-Compassion - It's a Journey, Not a Race

Be patient with yourself. The search for purpose can take time, and there will be moments of uncertainty and doubt. Practice self-compassion and remember that it's a journey, not a race. There's no "right" timeline for finding your life's purpose. Keep exploring, keep reflecting, and trust the process.

Featured Quote:

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson 

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additional tags:

How to find my purpose in life, find your purpose, life purpose, discovering your purpose, how to find meaning, live a life of purpose, finding your calling, purpose in life, self-reflection, values, passions

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Blog Disclaimer:

The content on this blog reflects the author's personal views and for general information only, not professional advice. We're sharing perspectives, and you're responsible for how you use this information. We're not liable for any outcomes. Think of this as a conversation – your insights and actions are your own.

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The Meaning of Life Podcast

Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/tmolpod/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TMOLPODCAST

Please Read Below:

Episodes are originally distributed on Spotify. All episodes are then re-uploaded and published onto YouTube 24-hours after the original publication date.

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please note that 'The Meaning of Life Podcast' explores complex and personal topics. The views and discussions presented are intended for thought-provoking exploration and should not be taken as definitive life advice. Listen with an open mind and consider what resonates with your own experiences and values.

[deadpoetsandlivinglegends]

Feel like Neil couldn’t have been any other kind of actor than one in theatre. If he was a movie actor or on social media or whatnot, it would not be the same. Theatre by nature is fleeting. Recorded mediums can be rewatched over and over, creating a time loop of sorts. We the audience can keep going back to a time when Neil is still alive. Theatre however is live and once the play is over, there is no going back except in our memories. It is much like life. We are forced to live in the moment in a theater lest we miss it altogether. It’s not that the poets choose to live in a world where Neil is dead, it’s that they must because the only other option is to die themselves. I feel like Keatings teachings could only be reflected in stage theatre because that’s the only way there can be no time loop of grief. I think dead poets society itself isn’t about overcoming the authority in your life to do what you want but rather about grief, about allowing oneself to feel grief and all one’s emotions without letting it consume you and to keep living after, to live every day in the moment lest you fall into grief and regret that will destroy you or force you into a miserable life

[egoarc4de]

finished succession again, found some kenstewy wips from way back

[cinnbar-bun]

I hope this isn’t a weird question and I’m asking like,,, very nicely because I’m just curious because you often discuss novels but why do you like American Psycho? Like just cuz it’s a horror or smth? Your other recommendations were interesting so I was wondering what your thoughts are

Not weird at all, but sorry the English major in me is gonna pop the hell out and sorry this will be boring and long because I have so many feelings on the book and the movie and the other Ellis novels in general and I think some literary theory being applied to it really takes it beyond its shallow surface viewing of “guy who kills people”.

I will try to keep this short somewhat and I will try to avoid getting graphic and spoilery but beyond that, I do wanna start off with as a WOC in America I’ve always loved stories that tackle the American condition and ideology. It’s easy to write it off sometimes- what’s the difference if X story is in England for example and while yes that can be true, I feel most of the novels I hold important to me (Ellis, Toni Morrison, etc.) is a uniquely American thing. It’s so rooted in American culture and societal values it just personally touches me as a woc who has immigrant parents.

Now tying it back into the last paragraph, American Psycho is at its core a satire, and the novel is especially important for its place during Reagan’s presidency (and honestly a lot of the problems in the novel ARE traced back to Reagan’s policies and Reaganomics), presumably before Black Monday- so this is PEAK Reagan era American consumerist before what is going to be the worst economic crash in the world since the Great Depression.

Patrick is a symptom of the larger problem Ellis tackles- Yuppie culture and American consumption as well as identity politics. I’ve seen the theories of Patrick being a repressed gay man and I thought similarly along with coinciding with Ellis being a gay man who said that Patrick was something of Ellis’s own thoughts at the time. Patrick’s rage I kinda related to in a way (and not in Gahhhhhh I’m gonna murder and drug people!!) but as a warped sense of self and self hatred and repression for what you are.

And before you get the idea that means, Oh so Ellis is a fucking weirdo- I mean, maybe- but you have to read deeper into that and it’s that Patrick has no identity. Sure we read about him, but he effectively has no identity or connection to others. He is routinely mistaken for others, reality is a false construct, perhaps he did nothing or perhaps he did everything he said he did. The ways you can examine American Psycho over and over again is soooooo incredible. Whether it’s from a racial, sexual, or cultural lens I like to take a moment because yes the graphic violence is jarring but that is the point. It’s an over the top parody of what is the real issue- identity and culture. Ex: Patrick is a repressed gay man so he actively goes after women to lie/convince himself otherwise, Patrick is a white man with a rich dad so he gets away with it, Patrick is so empty inside he has to turn to substance abuse and cruelty to get any feeling, Patrick is so lost on who he is he is mistaken for XYZ.

The movie does make the satirical aspects more clear because Christian Bale is performing as Patrick in such an exaggerated way that it’s comical and emphasizes how ridiculous this shit is. I also think as time goes on the novel becomes more ‘important’ and very reflective of the world we live in (considering Patrick is such a fan of Trump to the point of idol worship and needing to be consoled by Trumpisms and this was New York in the late 1880s so like even then that was ridiculous) especially with our current situation now it’s a bit of something to reflect on imo.

So yeah! Just a condensed form of what I feel but honestly I feel and think and have thought waayyyyy more about the film and novel and every progressive viewing or reading as I get older always highlights something new to me. Ellis also is an interesting writer to me, can’t say if he’ll be good for you but in American Psycho specifically as an example because they all spend so much time describing outfits and brands, Ellis knew that people would just skip ahead whenever they did so he just started describing wackier shit and the details about for example Patrick taking his clothes to the laundromat it’s so much more thoughtful than you think.

[quotelr]

Whether your glass is half full or half empty, hope can fill it up.

Matshona Dhliwayo

[ironyscleverer]

doing a reread of the lockwood books and-

Show!Lucy: I am traumatized by the death of my female best friend whom I was best friends with. I know how to do a perfect smokey eye. I never wanted to be an agent and am easily frightened, but I am otherwise Talented and empathetic. I wish I was dead, but not as much as Lockwood. I eat biscuits funny.

Book!Lucy: I hate anything remotely feminine so fucking much. I have Zero female friends for a solid three books. I'm incredibly nosy and need to know everything, all the time, especially if it's about Lockwood. I don't wish I was dead but I wish I could kill. In fact I can, and I have.

Both: Brown women make me extremely jealous and insecure. Chucking things (e.g. swords) is a valid solution to most problems.

[transmechanicus]

Woke up from my little power outage nap and couldn’t even manage to eat a full box of macked cheese, grad school will fuck you up for life kids, do it at your own risk.

[ricegay]

i feel so empty 🙂👍 for the first time in my life i feel like i'm actually making progress on my 'life path' whatever that means but at the same time everything that matters to me has been slowly slipping away my relationships my stability my interests my sense of self

[themeaningoflifepodcast]

ep.5 - The Isolation Lie: The Meaning of Life Podcast

This episode of "The Meaning of Life Podcast" with Matthew highlights the critical role of connection and community in the search for meaning, asserting that humans are not meant to be isolated despite modern tendencies towards loneliness. The speaker emphasizes that belonging and feeling valued are essential for finding purpose. Practical advice is offered on how to find or build a community, including identifying shared interests, being intentional, practicing vulnerability, and being patient. 

The episode also provides guidance for individuals facing specific challenges like introversion or feeling like an outsider and references historical philosophical perspectives on human social nature, concluding with a powerful message of belonging and worthiness of connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is connection important?

Life can feel lonely, even when surrounded by people. Isolation can make the search for meaning harder. We need each other for understanding, support, and challenge.

What happens when you are part of a community? 

When you are part of a community, you feel seen, valued, and like you matter. This sense of belonging can give your life a new level of meaning.

How can you find and build community?

It's not always easy, but it's worth the effort. Key steps include:

Look for shared interests: Find groups or organizations related to your passions and enjoyments.

Be intentional: Put yourself out there by joining a club, volunteering, or taking a class. Don't wait for others to come to you.

Be vulnerable: Share your stories, struggles, and triumphs. Real connection comes from authenticity.

Be patient: Building a strong community takes time; it's about building trust and relationships.

What if you are introverted and trying to find community?

Focus on quality over quantity. Small, intimate gatherings can be just as powerful as large groups.

What if you feel like you don't fit in anywhere?

Consider creating your own community. You can start a group, organize an event, or find others who share your unique perspective.

What historical perspective is mentioned regarding human social nature?

Ancient philosophers like Aristotle emphasized the importance of "political animals," believing that humans are naturally social beings and thrive in communities.

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additional tags:

Who am I, meaning of life, finding purpose, reality, self-identity, nature of self, individual identity, self-awareness, sense of self, exploring self, understanding identity

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Blog Disclaimer:

The content on this blog reflects the author's personal views and for general information only, not professional advice. We're sharing perspectives, and you're responsible for how you use this information. We're not liable for any outcomes. Think of this as a conversation – your insights and actions are your own.

---

The Meaning of Life Podcast

Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/tmolpod/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TMOLPODCAST

Please Read Below:

Episodes are originally distributed on Spotify. All episodes are then re-uploaded and published onto YouTube 24-hours after the original publication date.

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please note that 'The Meaning of Life Podcast' explores complex and personal topics. The views and discussions presented are intended for thought-provoking exploration and should not be taken as definitive life advice. Listen with an open mind and consider what resonates with your own experiences and values.

[pissmotif]

i’ve gone through the 5 stages of mental illness this morning

[quotelr]

Whether your glass is half full or half empty, hope can fill it up.

Matshona Dhliwayo

[butchreyes]

god i've had such bad writers block lately. which i guess in a way i anticipated would happen when i went back to school full-time, but alas. like today i spent an hour staring at a doc, knowing exactly what i wanted to convey but completely forgetting how to actually say anything.

[boydykewannabe]

i feel so adult in the best possible way lmao

[themeaningoflifepodcast]

How to Find Meaning in Everyday Life?: Discovering Significance in the Ordinary

The search for meaning doesn't always require grand gestures. We explore practical ways to cultivate a sense of purpose and significance in the simple moments and routines of our daily existence.

Beyond the Extraordinary: Finding Significance in the Mundane

We often talk about big existential questions, but what about the here and now? The daily grind? Can we find meaning there? Absolutely. Today, we're exploring how to find meaning in everyday life, because often, the most profound significance is woven into the fabric of our ordinary moments.

Cultivate Gratitude: Appreciating the Small Wonders

One of the most powerful ways to find meaning in everyday life is to cultivate gratitude. Take a moment each day to appreciate the small wonders around you – a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a stranger, the beauty of nature. Focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack, can shift your perspective and reveal the inherent goodness in the ordinary.

Practice Mindfulness: Being Present in the Now

So much of our lives is spent dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Practicing mindfulness – paying attention to the present moment without judgment – can help us fully experience the richness of everyday life. Savoring a meal, truly listening to a conversation, noticing the details of your surroundings – these moments of presence can be deeply meaningful.

Connect with Others: Nurturing Small Interactions

Meaning often arises from connection. Make an effort to engage with the people around you, even in small ways. A genuine smile, a brief conversation with a neighbor, a moment of shared laughter with a colleague – these small interactions can foster a sense of belonging and significance.

Engage Your Senses: Finding Joy in the Simple Pleasures

Our senses connect us to the world in profound ways. Take the time to truly experience the simple pleasures: the warmth of the sun, the scent of rain, the sound of music. Engaging your senses fully can make even mundane moments feel more vibrant and meaningful.

Find Purpose in Small Actions: Contributing in Your Own Way

You don't need to change the world overnight to find purpose. Look for small ways to contribute and make a difference in your daily life. Offer a helping hand, listen empathetically, do your work with care and intention. These small actions, when aligned with your values, can create a sense of purpose and significance.

Create Rituals and Routines: Adding Intention to the Day

Establishing meaningful rituals and routines can add a sense of structure and intention to your day. This could be anything from a morning meditation to an evening walk. These consistent practices can provide comfort and a sense of grounding, making even the ordinary feel more purposeful.

Reflect on Your Values: Aligning Actions with Beliefs

Take some time to identify your core values – what truly matters to you. Then, look for ways to align your everyday actions with those values. When your daily life reflects what you believe in, it naturally feels more meaningful.

The Ongoing Discovery: Meaning is All Around Us

Finding meaning in everyday life isn't about discovering some hidden secret. It's about cultivating a mindset of gratitude, presence, connection, and intention. It's about recognizing the inherent significance that already exists in the ordinary moments that make up our lives.

Featured Quote:

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius

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additional tags:

How to find meaning in everyday life, meaning in everyday life, finding significance, simple pleasures, cultivate gratitude, practice mindfulness, connect with others, small actions, daily routines, align with values

---

Blog Disclaimer:

The content on this blog reflects the author's personal views and for general information only, not professional advice. We're sharing perspectives, and you're responsible for how you use this information. We're not liable for any outcomes. Think of this as a conversation – your insights and actions are your own.

---

The Meaning of Life Podcast

Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/tmolpod/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TMOLPODCAST

Please Read Below:

Episodes are originally distributed on Spotify. All episodes are then re-uploaded and published onto YouTube 24-hours after the original publication date.

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please note that 'The Meaning of Life Podcast' explores complex and personal topics. The views and discussions presented are intended for thought-provoking exploration and should not be taken as definitive life advice. Listen with an open mind and consider what resonates with your own experiences and values.

[recoveryhurts]

rehabilitate, rewire, recover! pt. 4: just eat something if you're not sure

(Unfortunately, I can't quote directly, as I only have the German version of the book, not the English one)

Tabitha advises not to question your hunger when it appears. Hunger doesn't just refer to the physical feeling of an empty stomach; it also includes the moment when thoughts of food appear. Tabitha calls this mental hunger. It happens when your body's physical hunger signals haven't been enough to get you to eat over time

If a person in quasi-recovery from anorexia doesn't eat until they feel full at meals or always chooses an alternative instead of what they truly want, their hunger grows stronger until it eventually takes over all their thoughts and emotions. I've noticed this in myself as well

At least if you believe Tabitha (and I do), there's no way around freeing yourself from all rules and beliefs about nutrition and simply always eating a lot. Treat yourself!

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

What do you think of this concept? Send me a letter <3

[aoneeighty]

Mission Accomplished

Recently, some of the astronauts who were stranded in space for almost nine months were stuck in space. This was supposed to be a short mission less than a few weeks. Now they were in a holding pattern. I cannot image being stuck in space for so long. It is not only amazing, but miraculous how they survived and made it back to planet earth landing here this week. Have you ever doubted something…