In a world where we stive for contentment among its imperfections how do you find your happiness & meaning?

Question

In your world
In THE world
In the worlds of those around you.

sorry, i meant STRIVE for contentment

Answer 1

In my world I find happiness and meaning in my family and some friends.
In the world I find happiness and meaning in the beauty of nature
In the worlds of those around me by hoping to help someone somehow- maybe not in a big or specific way, but being the best I can to make them happy. I dont really know if this is what you are asking or if my answer makes any sense.

Answer 2

Philosopher hmmm?

Well, I recently went back to University to pursue a dream, I completed my honours degree in acting and I couldn't be happier. The work is not plentiful where I live at the moment but I'm working hard to get my name in and find work. My response to your question is that you need to find something that "feeds your soul". Something just for you, it doesn't need to benefit anyone else, but it usually does in the long run. More importantly it should NOT be another person. Acting is one of the things that makes me completely happy. As well, you need to surround yourself with positive people, good people/friends will "feed your soul". There is no single answer to your question, but you can find contentment within yourself, what are you passionate about? Find it and pursue it, surround yourself with people that don't use you, abuse you or make you feel stupid. And remember, you'll never find contentment and happiness outside yourself. Lastly, don't care what other people say about what you do to "feed your soul" IT IS FOR YOU and if you listen to the critics your greatest passion will very quickly become your greatest nightmare. While completing my studies I came in contact with some pretty harsh criticism. I ignored it and ended up making my critic eat her words and I have to say that it felt pretty damned good. Good luck with your search, hope you find what makes you happy.

Answer 3

First, I realize that I am responsible for my own happiness. It is not dependent on anyone else. It is an imperfect world so imperfection is the norm. If it matters, improve it. If it cannot be improved, accept it. If you cannot accept it, move on.

"We control our own fate: You are where you want to be, you are doing what you want to be doing, and you are with who you want to be with. If not, you are preparing for change."

The worlds of those around us are not in our control. The physical world can be improved but not their perception of it. Life isn't fair, but if they desire improvement and are willing to take action, they can improve their lives.

If you need your life to have meaning, you need to embrace goals. The goals become your meaning, as do the achievements you make on the way to those goals. When you finally realize that the true meaning of life is just to experience it, you will be a much happier person. Life is a gift, try not to waste it by continually wondering what the gift means.

Answer 4

In my world: At home by being consistent and providing a good role model for my child. At work by being thorough and the best I can be at my job, and helping my coworkers where I can.

In THE World: by supporting charities directly that I feel are doing important work, like National Public Radio (NPR), and Doctors without Borders. Doctors without Borders provides medical assistance in places few doctors choose to practice, and provide to some the only medical assistance they will see in their entire lives.

In the worlds of those around you: I assist my coworkers by writing documentation (not part of my job description) and by mentoring those I work with when asked.

I take satisfaction in the things I can do, and do not worry over the things that I cannot effect.

Answer 5

Happiness is a subjective feeling whereas meaning is more of a philosophical validation of one's existance. Certainly it is better accomplished by not being selfish in the pursuit of worldly pleasure but rather by being selfless and leading a life dedicated to helping those who are suffering and in need. Jesus personified this type of life and in so doing He became the brunt of the hatred of even His own people. So living like this should not be for the reward of the praise of others but rather to please God. God knows your heart and in serving others in this way God will reward you with true contentment and happiness that can only be described as joy. Jesus talked about building up treasures in heaven by giving to and helping the poor. In this way you can make this imperfect world somewhat better for others and for yourself while giving meaning to your life.

Answer 6

Some people use faith in God, some people use meaningful relationships while one earth, and others use a purposeful existence whereby they can further their vision for what would make the world a better place, but I think it is a combination of the three that makes for a happiness and meaning.

Answer 7

Philisophically, I'm a skeptic. I don't believe in any absolute knowledge. Perfection to me is impossible, (or at least highly improbable) however the pursuit of perfection is a worthy goal. The only thing close to 'meaning' that I have ever found in my life is when I was sitting on a bus and I looked into her eyes.

I looked at her and she looked at me and I looked at her and she looked at me. In that moment I had a brief glimpse into infinity. I was absolutely 100% sure that I was in love. I saw God. I saw the whole universe all at the same time, right there on a public bus. It was the only truth that I have ever known.

Answer 8

In my world: My spiritual life gives me a great deal of contentment and meaning. I have happily embraced the best of Protestantism and Catholicism combined with reading biographies of spiritual historical figures and a holistic sense of God (God is everywhere not in a building). My running and yoga contributes to this as well.
In the world: I am a member of a municipal environment advisory committee and feel fortunate to be surrounded by people whose passion for the natural world is the same as mine.
In the world of those around you: stories of justice finally achieved, stories of ordinary people in the community who are making a difference and stories of unusual life-changing projects in churches contribute to my sense of happiness and meaning.
And I am madly in love with my husband!!! :)

Answer 9

For me, happiness is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All human relationships are ultimately flawed because they depend partly on imperfect people, and others will eventually fall short of our expectations. People change, feelings change, life and everything around us is in constant change, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I love and trust others, but no other is like Him.

Answer 10

Here is what keeps me grounded:

I don't let fear hold me back
I don't let anyone bully me
I listen to my gut...If it does not feel right, I move away from the situation
I follow my heart...always
I value my past, no matter how awful it was
I value my solitude...because people will always disappoint you, and the only person you can really depend on is yourself
I am grateful, grateful, grateful for what little I have