Anonymous wrote:Honestly, when I see shallow people who strive for "things" it gives my life higher meaning. It makes me realize I am on the right path and I wish I were surrounded by those on the same page.

My children, I appreciate them every day the way my (deceased parent with whom I was very close) did. I strive to have them appreciate what they have. I strive to have them know my family through me - how they felt, what they believed, things they said.

Great post, OP!

Why does seeing materialistic people give your life higher meaning?

Honestly, when I see shallow people who strive for "things" it gives my life higher meaning. It makes me realize I am on the right path and I wish I were surrounded by those on the same page.

My children, I appreciate them every day the way my (deceased parent with whom I was very close) did. I strive to have them appreciate what they have. I strive to have them know my family through me - how they felt, what they believed, things they said.

Great post, OP!

I believe the "purpose" of my life is to cherish every moment I have with my two amazing children.

I know it's cliche. Before my kids, I traveled and had a high powered career. And I met my husband, who I love so much and who is my best friend.

But my kids... there is nothing that compares. Nothing. And I want to make sure that I appreciate every minute I have with them. Because it is fleeting.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First and foremost to praise God with my existence.

Second, to administer everything He gave me using it to my comfort and to serve others in need.

Based on that I chose my profession and thinking of this I handle all my relationships.

Just curious, what is your profession? I'd love to serve others through my work.

PP you quoted here. I started as a teacher, became a nurse and now I'm a SAHM

To love others. To let my soul grow and learn new lessons.

This is easy!

First catechism question: what is the meaning of life?

To know, love, and serve God in this world in order to be with Him for all eternity.

The meaning of life is to do God's will.

I don't think you can begin to understand the meaning of your life until you spend many hours listening to your heart and following intuition or what feels like divine guidance. Even at almost 40 years old, my life purpose has yet to be defined. Yes, I have kids, and that is a function in my life, but it is not the sole purpose. Only in putting it all together will I find what has been calling out to me in the distance.

I know I'm getting closer, or at least on the right track as there have been lots of things that have seemed rather "coincidental", if you believe in coincidence (I don't).

Anonymous wrote:First and foremost to praise God with my existence.

Second, to administer everything He gave me using it to my comfort and to serve others in need.

Based on that I chose my profession and thinking of this I handle all my relationships.

Just curious, what is your profession? I'd love to serve others through my work.

Children

First and foremost to praise God with my existence.

Second, to administer everything He gave me using it to my comfort and to serve others in need.

Based on that I chose my profession and thinking of this I handle all my relationships.

To serve others. I'm a teacher.

Good quote from MLK:

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

To be a meaningful link between my ancestors and my children. I feel a responsibility to carry forward all that my family worked toward and honored, while setting my children up to be as prepared (intelligent, grounded, loving and happy) as possible to contribute in the future.

Some of this manifests in broad terms of social justice (choice of profession, for example), or in personal achievement (first to go this far educationally). Some of it is in fact material (even our humble lifestyle is $$$, here in the Nation's Capital).

Was it in Ciderhouse Rules, the phrase "be of use"? That's the shortened version, I guess. I mean to be of use to my local and global community (even in the tiniest way), and truly instrumental to my children.

Great question!


Being a teacher.

Traveling abroad.

Spending time w/ family.

Enjoying my favorite things (skinnydipping in my private pool. Love cold water! Dessert, Reading, Going to the movies....)

I wish I could add friends to the list, but sadly I have very few.

hmm . . . good question

1. as a teacher, making a child's life better
2. having grown up with a dysfunctional extended family (not my immediate), breaking destructive patterns that could have continued on with my kids
3. as a parent, raising kids with the ability to question and an appreciation for curiosity

I always say that death is the great leveler. So there's no sense in being materialistic.

Said differently, what do you think the purpose of your life is?