The terms are done to death – ‘finding myself’, ‘self-improvement’, ‘personal growth,’ ‘self-help’. Gosh, when I attribute the negative thoughts about this I’m thinking: selfish, self-centred, indulgent navel gazing. But the positive is there is a time, need and a place for this. As we get older, it is more natural to recognise when we require a bit of “me time” and it is useful to reset and reconnect with our purpose. When we are no longer in paid employment, the opportunity for this is amplified, not only because there is more ‘time’ in the day now, but because we are not wearing a ‘work hat’. When work is interlinked with our identity, finding one’s purpose outside of it can be challenging.
The journey of finding our purpose and achieving meaning in life goes beyond our own self and sometimes we just need a push to know how or where to do this. Perhaps it should not be as surprising as it sounds that those who see themselves as part of something ‘bigger’ have a high level of wellbeing. When we know where to head, we move with intention, action and excitement.
The source of meaning, ‘relationship with nature’, is a great example of how spending some time by yourself in nature can support you to go beyond the self. It is the perfect combination of self-ish and self-less. When I spend time in nature, I am taken by its beauty, colour, smell and sound. All the senses come alive for me and gives me a boost to my mood and energy levels. I feel energised again to reconnect with my higher purpose and step into action.
Research shows that older people who create and discover meaning from sources that go beyond introspection, have higher levels of wellbeing. Intuitively this makes sense. Contributing to others in various ways all makes us feel good. Examples include participating in activities with Rotary, volunteering in your community, being a member of your local tennis club or a political party that you are passionate about. Connecting with your key sources of meaning are important to knowing what gives YOU meaning, so you can activate these in your life.
Not sure what your key sources of meaning are? Take the Sources of Meaning quiz and find out your top 3-5.
Whether it’s joining a volunteering group, starting a band, establishing a foundation, creating a new garden bed at the local primary school, whatever YOUR thing is, the experience of meaning beyond yourself will improve your sense of purpose and give you meaning in life – well outside your navel!