Meaning is about the meaning you give to your life and the events that occur in it. Meaning makes you feel that your life and what you do matter. That it is meaningful and of value. Many people do not experience this feeling. And that often leads to big questions. These can be questions about your past, the situation you are in now or where you eventually want to go. But sometimes the answer to certain life questions is not so obvious and you can ask yourself: "does life really have meaning?" Frequently asked questions include:
- What do I really want with my life?
- Why am I not happy?
- What makes my life worth living?
- How do I discover who I am and what suits me?
- How did I get into this rut and how do I get out?
It is not always easy to find your place in life and society. Many people are on a path that actually makes them unhappy or don't know who they are or want to be. This can manifest itself in different stages of life and is certainly not reserved for young adults. Sometimes events occur in your life that turn the status quo upside down or make you think about your life. A lack of meaning and direction can lead to boredom, lack of purpose or a lack of motivation and energy. It can also lead to feelings of insecurity, depression and anxiety.
People often start thinking about life questions if they don't get enough meaning out of life or if they have a direct reason to think about their lives. The loss of a loved one or a job can change your perspective and raise questions or doubts. Sometimes it is just a slow build-up of dissatisfaction with the life you lead. There can be all kinds of causes. In any case, you have now reached a point where you don't know anymore, whether it is a result of your own choices or events that were beyond your control.
It is very normal to run into big questions about yourself and about life. We all have to deal with this to a greater or lesser extent. When you notice that you really get stuck in this and you don't know how to proceed, it can be nice to talk to someone about this. A psychologist or coach can help you gain clarity in your thoughts and struggles and explore what is important to you. This will give you more control and direction in your life.