There’s a reason laughter feels great - research tells us it: When was the last time you laughed until your stomach hurt and tears rolled down your face? Chances are good there will be more of those times. Maybe you’ve been on your journey for a while, but you’ve come up against an obstacle that seems insurmountable.Įither way, continuing to answer the call, as many great stories tell us, can lead to a stronger and happier sense of self. Maybe you feel you’ve been called to do something great, but getting started has been challenging. It’s what often causes a hero to embark on a quest in many classic stories, but it can also apply to your own life. The hero’s journey is a concept that originated from 20th-century professor Joseph Campbell. If you haven’t met those people yet, it’s likely they’re out there somewhere and they may be looking for you, too. It’s natural to feel lonely or isolated when there’s seemingly no one you can relate to or share interests with. One of the most brilliant human qualities is the capacity for creativity.Įxercising our own imaginations and creative power can bring joy, but so can admiring the creativity of others in the form of art, music, literature, film, and more.
The existence of creativity and imagination If anyone has ever questioned your ability or flat-out told you, “You’ll never succeed at that,” it can be pretty satisfying to show them just how wrong they are. If you’re like most people, those dreams may no longer resonate with your present-day self.Īnd like most of us, you may not have checked off many (if any) of those boxes.īut what about current hopes you haven’t yet acted upon? Each day brings another chance to dust off those hopes and breathe new life into them. Unfulfilled hopes and dreamsĬhances are you had some dreams for your future as a child. Someday, you may get the chance to relate to and encourage someone who’s standing where you stood. Others are also searching for better reasons to keep going, and some of them might be similar to you. Whether it’s caring for the planet, the mental health of future generations, or something entirely your own, passion for making a difference might give you the spark you’re looking for. Some people channel these cares into a mission that gives them a reason to get out of bed each day. You have a unique set of cares and perspectives about the world. If you see yourself as a spiritual being, keeping a spiritual practice - such as honoring the sacred in daily life or connecting with a higher power - can bring meaning and satisfaction. Research shows that positive interactions with pets can boost levels of oxytocin and dopamine - brain chemicals that bring feelings of pleasure and connection.īut if you’ve ever loved an animal companion, you probably don’t need science to tell you why they help make life worthwhile. Life offers the chance to find and prioritize people like that. It’s that feeling of simultaneously understanding and being understood. Here’s a quick exercise: Can you think of a time when you “clicked” with another person? The connections we forge with the people we care about most can be a powerful motivating factor. What do you hope to be remembered for someday? Love and human connection If you’re not yet at the point in life where you feel you’ve crafted your legacy, there’s still time to do just that. No one knows the future, but life brings the constant opportunity to discover your true potential as a person, artist, parent, athlete, or activist. Who knows what you might discover and what might be uncovered in your lifetime? Your undiscovered potential
If you’re a curious person, wanting to know more about what’s “out there” may be a reason to keep going. Which milestones are on your list? The unexplored They can also take the form of achievements like learning to drive or cook for yourself.
Milestones can be as life-altering as coming out or becoming a parent. Milestones bring change and sometimes challenge, but they can also result in a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Consider alternatives that might be a better fit for you. So, if one of the reasons on this list doesn’t click, that’s OK. What may be a reason to keep living for one person may not be for someone else.