It’s an interesting concept, thinking about what is and what is not a fulfilling life. Of course, this definition changes from person to person as we all have a different perspective about what constitutes fulfillment. There is a common strain of thought which proposes fulfillment means getting married, starting a family and living the “American Dream”. The narrative for what represents fulfillment has become more diverse as younger generations are determining there are many other factors that help to create a fulfilling life.
There are many layers to what people now find fulfilling. For some, fulfillment could be to continually improve in an aspect of their lives whether that be personally, professionally, or even spiritually. For others, it might simply be to have someone to take care of and impart wisdom upon (i.e. starting a family). For example, two of the closest people in my life have found fulfillment in completely different avenues. My twin brother has built a life that includes a wife and two kids, and I can tell he lives for his children and loves being a father. On the other hand, my best friend lives her life focused mainly on self-improvement and making large scale change in the world.
My point here is you should never feel like you have to fit yourself into a box to realize fulfillment. It is an individual decision on what is fulfilling to you. I think this is actually the most dangerous part of fulfillment is the pressure we have from external forces to participate in certain things because they are “fulfilling”. This makes me think about one of my favorite songs right now (yes, I am going to put lyrics in this post), and how I identify with the deeper meaning and how it reminds me fulfillment is found wherever you put your energy, which for me is helping others:
Lyrics from “Going Gets Tough” – The Growlers
No home since the fire
Me and the ash can’t settle down
Unsure of where I’m bound
So I sink another round
Placebo for pain
And there’s no one for to blame
I refuse to accept
That my work is all in vain
[Chorus]
Worry’s a bully
That just won’t let me be
Trying to keep me busy
Tussling and struggling
Still always remembering
When the going gets tough
That the labor of our love
Will reward us soon enough
Still always remembering
When the going gets tough
That the labor of our love
Will reward us soon enough
Man’s never alone
If he can offer help
Always thinking of
Everyone else before himself
There will always be pressures to live your life a certain way, but keep in mind you alone are the determinant of what you strive for in life and what makes you happy. So if you are in a place where you feel like you have no control, remember you are the deciding factor. Be ok with the choices you make if they help you find fulfillment. It is ok to live for yourself.
Author: Cole Schenck
Editor(s): Morgana Schmidt
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