What brings meaning to your life?

[EggBoxes]

If you have meaning in your life, what is it?
Or do you feel that your life doesn't have any meaning, and if so, how is that for you?

My DC, my DH, my dog, my beautiful house and the lovely area I live in. Also my volunteer work, knitting small creatures, and reading.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. Easy to see the common themes I think - children, partner and activities that are enjoyable. I don't have children, and I am at peace with my decision, but I can see how much purpose they bring to others.

Do activities bring purpose though? I can see that they are enjoyable and enrich life, but am not sure if they bring purpose or meaning.

@HazelBite I'd like to hear more if you want to share more.

My children
Swimming in beautiful outdoor locations
Discovering new countries and cultures

When you are swimming outside you are 100% in the moment. The purpose is enjoyment and appreciation of nature, and your health. You come out feeling invigorated and calm at the same time.

@HazelBite
I hope you are feeling better today. x

I am touched by the generosity by the posters on here in response to my post.
It is very difficult for me to share the circumstances that have made me feel so low. In response to the original post the whole meaning of my life revolves round my very loving and close family and the love we feel for each other. I have a wonderful husband and four loving adult dc's, 3 of whom have partners that fit so well within our family. That is the good.
The bad, is an unbelievable series of awful and traumatic events that have affected us all very deeply, and hurt us all. It is so hard to be supportive to those you love when you hurting too, but I guess that's life.
(I can't write the details on here it would be too outing) I am worrying about the effect it is all going to have.
I am in my late 60's and have been through a lot in life and always managed ultimately to pull myself up by my bootstraps and move on, but at the moment its hard to see a new "normal" where we can all be vaguely content, ever happening.
I am trying to take pleasure in my pets, the nature around me but yesterday after more bad news I just hit rock bottom, hence my post.
Thank you, its heartening to know that there are strangers out there who care.

Sometimes I feel life doesn’t have a deep meaning.
My kids are the point of my existence but they don’t need me so much any more. I have a job that could have a big impact on other people but often feels like a slog.
Some days I’m in a deep black hole and it’s hard to put my “mask” on and struggle on.
Other days, I find a lot of contentment in looking after my pets, riding my bike, swimming outdoors or just reading a book in the garden. I am happy when I can find this small contentment rather than searching for anything deep and meaningful.

Do activities bring purpose though? I can see that they are enjoyable and enrich life, but am not sure if they bring purpose or meaning.

They do to me, I’m a rugby player, thats an important part of my identity. So playing, training and keeping fit for rugby is hugely important to me.

I really want to acknowledge your contribution @HazelBite and to send you hope, strength and peace. My own life was turned upside down a few years ago and everything I thought I had was suddenly insecure, and in some cases, lost forever. Words don't feel enough.

That sounds really tough @reallyneedmoresleep. Do you have to put your mask on and struggle on?

So many helpful thoughts and ideas