What is the meaning of life?

I found it interesting no one wanted to chat about life questions in a previous post, so I figured I would tackle the topic on my own.  While working on my personal strategic plan, I did a lot of soul searching about careers, how to make money, what I enjoy and what is the meaning of life.  I think what I settled on is this; figure out what you love to do, and do it. 

It really is that simple.  That could mean any number of things like raising a family, being an investment banker, fishing, or being a social worker.  For me, it's bitching and sniping on the internet.  I think where most of us get hung up is thinking we need to make a bundle of money so we can do the things we love to do.  That's defeating the purpose and wrong for a couple of reasons. 

1.  There's no guarantee that you will ever make enough money.  It's quite possible that most of us will never make the kind of money we dream about, or that it will be sufficient to provide the lifestyle you think you want.  Imagine someone you believe is really successful, and I'd be willing to bet that they possess a lot less money than you think.  Most of us put on a good show that we have more than we do, and that's doubly true for rich people.  If you doubt me, ask yourself why Michael Richards was doing stand up.  Hopefully because he loves it. 

2.  Even if you do make a shit ton of cash, there's no guarantee that you will live long enough to enjoy it.  People die from all kinds of causes everyday, and most of them aren't exciting like terrorism.  It's more likely that you will die from a heart attack or in a car crash, than from a fall while climbing a mountain.  Think of the people who spend their whole lives working for retirement, only to die a few years after hanging it up.  What's the point? 

I think it's "enjoy the ride".  Sure, it's over-simplistic, and yet so underrated.  Why do we spend so much energy trying to achieve some lifestyle that has no bearing on our satisfaction?  Why not embrace who and what you are and roll with it?  Of course, there are consequences for doing "whatever you want".  I recommend using some common sense when it involves anything in public.

And I'd take it one step further.  One of my favorite sayings about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is "Take only pictures, leave only footprints".  I think that's a great mission statement for nature lovers, and possibly for all of us.  Except when it comes to your legacy, I suggest leaving something more than footprints.  I believe it should be our goal to leave the world a little better than when we found it.  Hopefully you can do that with a career that you enjoy, but if not, there's lots of ways to make a difference.  And they all start with you. 

I may be going to hell in a bucket baby, but at least I'm enjoying the ride...

Comments

[bass]

As goes the motto of my family, "I have a back-stage pass to Hell." Happy New Year, dude!