When it comes to meaning in life, research suggests that it revolves around three key elements: coherence, purpose, and significance. Coherence entails understanding our place in the world and how things connect, while purpose gives us a reason to get up each day. Significance, or mattering, is crucial as it emphasizes that life extends beyond the present moment. The self plays a critical role in providing coherence and enabling us to project ourselves into the future. It also offers a sense of symbolic immortality, as aspects that define us continue to exist.
Every interaction you have with someone is a moment of creation. It's a chance for both of you to shape each other and the world around you. We often underestimate the impact of these interactions, treating them as isolated incidents where everyone is responsible only for themselves. But the truth is, every interaction is an opportunity to glimpse into a whole other world and embrace the complexity of others. We tend to forget that people have their own lives and perspectives, and by recognizing this, we can fully appreciate the depth they bring to every interaction. By taking responsibility for our interactions and understanding that they also shape us, we can change the way we engage with people and experience life in a more meaningful way.