What is the Meaning of your Life?
If that were taken away, would it change the meaning?
Through the different stages of my life, my answer might have been very different. But today, at the age I am right now, a senior citizen, most of my life has been recorded in my memories.
I guess I could say, “The meaning of my life is the sum of my memories.”
I've learned that building a memory databank meant I had to open my heart and be vulnerable. It was frightening at times, trusting in love, trusting in me, even trusting in someone I love, but I’m happy I did. It wasn’t always easy, but then nothing in life is easy, if it’s meaningful and worth having.
Saved in my memories is everything that ever brought me great joy and happiness; also there is everything that ever brought me great sorrow, pain, and loss; and the many lessons —-some very hard ones, I never want to repeat.
Acceptance has been the key for all of them to co-exist. Forgiveness has allowed them to be co-dependent. The irony is, I’ve found I can't have one without all of the others.
So, it’s true then: “The meaning of my life truly is within the sum of my memories.”
My greatest hope is to make many more memories before I’m done and it’s time to leave here. I also want to share some of what I’ve learned with my grandchildren —if I can keep them from making any of the same mistakes I made, it would further validate my purpose for being here.
So, should I ever suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia, one by one those memories would all cease to be. With them would go the meaning, the entire purpose, of my life ...
Poet/Writer/Author of 5 books.
Quora Top Writer 2018.
CJ’s World is reader supported.
If you enjoy reading my work, please,
be a paid subscriber so I can continue
writing. Thank you!
Hi C . J . ,Meaning of life huh , I read your meaning agree with some not all . Yes we all go through different things in life good or bad or both . The meaning in your life is your love and compassion for others and family . The true caring person you are . So your life means a lot to your family , friends , and people here . My life's meaning is nothing , just bad from 10 on . Hugs and peace great writing
I understand, but I still think the meaning is still there. Think about it for a second. Just because you can’t remember or know doesn’t change what is or was. And you have to admit, if the mind is gone, there really is no thinking past, present or future. You’re gone without being physically gone. There really isn’t a “me” per se. Your “me” effect isn’t there and in a way at that point doesn’t matter. That’s kind of where I was going with the purgatory thing.