A Life of Purpose and Meaning

Loneliness is a solitary state of being. Instead of beingfor community activities. For example, soup kitchens
an active member of society, all energy and emotionsare always looking for a helping hand. It does not
are directed inward. Although natural andrequire any special knowledge, just the heart of a
understandable after a loss, a breakup, or other majorservant.
life-changing event, it is not healthy to stay in the landIn addition, some people like to volunteer to work at
of solitary sadness for too long. Eventually, it is time toboys and girls clubs, read for preschool children, or help
go on living, creating a life of purpose and meaning.beautify city parks by cleaning up the trash. If none of
Despite the fact that it can be hard to accept, in truth,these activities sound appealing, do not give up. A
there is someone on the planet having a worst timecommunity has a plethora of areas to help others. Ask
coping with the simple task of getting out of bed in thearound. Something you can even learn to enjoy and
morning. The feelings and emotions putting a strangleanticipate will probably be just around the corner.
hold on living are not unique to one lonely individual.Teaching or Mentoring
Therefore, the best way to help you is to turn theNo, you do not have to possess a degree in education.
tables and help someone else.However, you can share talents and experiences with
The question is: how can you help someone else,others, helping them learn. For example, if math is your
when loneliness is controlling and overwhelming yourforte, tutoring is an option. Maybe a child simply needs
own life? Simply pick something meaningful to do, thatsomeone who really cares to spend time with them. If
totally concentrates on helping others, and you willquilting is a hobby, help someone else learn the skill.
soon understand the therapeutic effect is has onShare your Experiences
personal loneliness. For example:Although it may seem extremely difficult at first, share
- Visit the Elderlyyour experiences. Maybe because of the trials and
- Volunteer in Community Activitiessorrows you have gone through, you can help
- Become a Mentor or Teachersomeone else who is going through something similar.
- Share your ExperiencesIn addition, maybe an individual simply needs
- Strive for Spiritual Growthencouragement to try something new or face an
Visiting the Elderlyupcoming event in their life. Because of your
The elderly are probably the loneliest single group inexperiences, your empathy and understanding will
society. Handicapped by bodies that no longer comply,benefit another and potentially develop into a
these ladies and gentlemen often have a wealth ofrewarding friendship.
experiences and love to share. But, many are basicallySpiritual Growth
warehoused in retirement homes. Even those who areFinally, consider your personal spiritual growth. What is
still able to live at home rarely have any visitors.at the very core of who you are as a human being?
Sadly, once in the home, the elderly are often farWhat goes much deeper than the physical needs of
away from family, and most of their friends havethe body? Were you raised in the church? Did you
already passed on from this life. Therefore, it makesused to pray? Finding strength of soul will really help
them feel so good to have someone that cares to talkease the pain of loneliness, because you will realize
to, reminisce with, or even just give a hug once inthat no one is truly alone.
awhile. At first, it may seem like a conscious effort. But,No matter how you decide to go about it, the key to
in the long run, it is the giver who receives the mostescaping the strangle hold of loneliness is to find a life
blessing.of purpose and meaning. By concentrating on the
Community Volunteeringneeds of others, it will soon become apparent that a
Another excellent way to escape loneliness, andpersonal void is being filled as well.
recognize that life can still be a blessing, is to volunteer