Daily writing prompt

What is the meaning of life?

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Today’s daily writing prompt makes me think of Joseph Campbell and Frank Coles.

Joseph Campbell said people think they’re looking for the meaning of life but we are actually looking for a feeling of being alive (or the “rapture of being alive”). Campbell’s more well known quote is to “Follow your bliss.” which intertwines nicely.

Frank Coles says instead of asking “What is the meaning of life?” ask “What is the meaning of my life?” The meaning of life is yours to own, it is not anyone else’s. Coles says if someone tells you what the meaning of life is, it’s just their opinion. “You need to find your meaning and whatever it is will probably boil down to one word or one sentence and if you live by it you will never take a wrong step because it is the meaning of your life.”

Personally I’m in awe at the vastness of the universe and the fragility of life on our tiny planet and cannot help but think of that when talk turns to ‘the meaning of life.’ Life gifts the opportunity for learning, exploration, love, and reflection but requires strength, endurance, humility, and the ability and confidence to seize opportunity. Perhaps my meaning of life is to seize the day in the present, learn from the past, and adapt to whatever I face in the future.