One thing you can guess about anyone searching for the Meaning of Life is that s/he isn't feeling it. Isn't satisfied. Wants something more, something worth living for. I've thought about it a lot over the years, seeking a sort of Holy Grail, some universal solution that makes life worth living. On one hand, I've conclusively figured out that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It's not money or vacation or affection or service or...any number of "solutions." Not alone. Not always. On the other hand, there is a forumula, or a rule, or a finite set of rules, to ensure a meaningful experience. Here are a few of the puzzle pieces: 1. The Meaning of Life is to find meaning in life. "Meaning" is not something that is "out there." It doesn't walk up and kick you in the shins, and you don't just land in it. Meaning is an experience that happens inside you. It's created by the way you react to your life and experiences. 2. Many experiences can be interpreted as meaningful. Common examples come from relationships, work, entertainment, progress, and focusing on others' needs instead of your own. The meaning comes from our assessment of these experiences being valuable - feeling good or satisfied, having a purpose, or making a difference, for example. Even extreme suffering - if made meaningful because, for example, your suffering alleviates someone else's - can provide such meaning that you feel more courageous, important, purposeful, and alive than ever before. Make sure you're aware of your talents and that you practice them on a regular basis. Your brain is set up to reward you for doing these things you do well and enjoy. They're one of the best bets for finding meaning and surest routes to success. 3. Meaning is not equal to Purpose. The Purpose of Life is often mistaken for the Meaning of Life. Depending on your values and beliefs, the purpose of life may be to have fun, learn, survive, win, serve, be good, etc. But these purposes becoming meaningful only to the extend that you perceive them - deep down - as valuable uses of your time. Sometimes you "know" something to be valuable, but it takes experience before you really catch on and get excited about it. It can take experience - working out, working, cleaning your room or doing anything you consider unpleasant - to learn to equate the rewards - feeling good, the security of a paycheck, the enjoyment of a tidy atmosphere, or just getting an unpleasant task out of the way and off your mind - and thus learn to value the experience itself. 4. Certain beliefs and perceptions make Meaning difficult to find, while others make it automatic. Think about love, for example. If you don't think anyone loves you, then you may not recognize it when someone does. Loneliness is not generally considered a very meaningful experience. If, conversely, you know you are loved, then one of your big needs is filled and you're much more open to many types of meaningful experiences - enjoying satisfying relationships, working toward goals, taking risks, etc. If you think life is hard, or that it doesn't work, or that others are out to get you, and so on, then once again, you've set up your own negative ongoing battles to face every day. If life is easy, if work eventually pays off, if everyone's in the same boat and all on your side, then effort is worth investing in and you get to enjoy the anticipation of the rewards long before they actually materialize. Anyway, I think I'm just writing all this stuff to avoid grading papers. I guess it's time to get it over and, when finished, see if I can reflect and make that a little more meaningful.