Before and after the Holidays, I have regularly myself down in the dumps, questioning the meaning of my life. Not a good place to be. But it happens, and I then try to practice helpful ways for me to see things in a different perspective..

It helps for me to see people who have found meaning in their life, even though they may not be doing big things like changing society. They can be helping others, even in small ways. As a result, I can try to follow their examples, in ways that I can.

Today, I found meaning in voluntarily putting out the recycle cans without being asked at the apt building where I live to be emptied. After the truck emptied the cans, I put them back. No money in it for me, no one thanked me for doing it, but it got me outside of my apt where I was living too much in my head into a sunny day. As a result, I had a good conversation with the apt handyman, one that I think was good for both of us. Nothing earth shattering, but I often find it is the little things in my life that help give my life meaning. Kindnesses and courtesies received and given that were not required or paid for.