Living a Meaningful Life

Posted by Lisa C. DeLuca Oct 13, 2008

Many years ago, I quit my job and went back to school to pursue my lifelong desire to become a family therapist. The reaction people had to me at that time was stunning. When people heard I was pursuing a life-long dream they became wistful, teary eyed, and eminently supportive. Even those who had hoped I would take some other career path - those who would finally have to face the fact that their dreams for me would never come true - even they could not help but be happy for me. Why?

I think that humans are born with an inner knowledge that we are each here for a reason. We seem to have an intuitive understanding that each of us has unique gifts that benefit the world in some way when they are used. And I believe that each person desires nothing more than to express these gifts.

But somewhere along the way we forget this. We lose our faith and we become distracted, despondent, bored, self conscious, self-doubting, caught up, enslaved, addicted, numb, confused, unsure.

I want to say this emphatically : it is never too late to pursue your dreams. I was in my thirties when I finally did, I don't care if you are in your sixties - you could live another 20 or more years! I know people in their eighties who are making a difference finding and pursuing their path.

People ask me how I discovered what I wanted to do. The truth is I didn't discover it, I had always known, I just wasn't listening. Maybe you know too. Maybe it's not 100% clear, but if you are open to following where the currents lead you it should become clearer.

I've written a couple of articles on this. The second one is about spirituality which is the part of human beings where this inner wisdom is stored. Spirituality goes hand in hand with personal development, IMHO. I hope these help motivate you.

How to Achieve Your Personal Best

Spirituality vs. Religion: Don't Let Problems With Religion Hinder Your Spiritual Life and Growth

Maria Shriver's New Book: Just Who Will You Be