Today's question is complex, as philosophic questions typically are, and any answers should be thought out and reasoned. If that delays things a little bit, that's ok with me.
The first part of the question is about what it means to live a "Full Life," and here the definition of what that means, precisely, will probably vary from person to person, but in general this means a life that is more than a hollow shell. This means more than living the standard social stereotypes, but instead allowing yourself to become a deep well of knowledge, wisdom, love, strength, friendship, honor, or whatever other values are prioritized. It means more than wealth and vapid consumerism. Thus, the first part of today's question is what exactly do you consider a "Full Life?"
The second part of the question is even more difficult. Once you've come to a definition that works for your world view, how do you achieve this fullness of life? How do you make progress toward it? What goals and objectives do you have that will bring you closer to this ultimate objective?
The third part of the question is most difficult, as it stops involving merely you. With you definition, your goals and objectives firmly in mind, consider those around you who matter to you. Whether it is your friends, your family, your lover, your neighbors, or your child's child's child's child, take them into consideration. How do they fit into your definition? How does your definition fit with them? How can you help others who are struggling to come to a realization of the necessity for a full life, and, most importantly, how can you help them to grow, learn, deepen, and become full themselves?
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ReplyDeleteMaybe you could spread this question over three or four days. It's too much for me to think about all at once, especially on a Saturday.
ReplyDeleteHaving a full life in a lot of ways means doing what you can to be happy. For me, it means being with my family and friends (which also to me are an extension of my family). I have goals, but they all involve family and friends. I work to help support myself and my family. I have hobbies that lets me socialize with friends. My sister and I want to get a house so we have room to be a family, host friends and eventually foster children. A full life to me means being able to love others, be loved and being able to be with them. Anything beyond that makes for a more 'colorful' or exciting life, not necessarily full.
ReplyDeleteI think a large part of living a full life is to be working toward goals. If one feels life has no purpose, one feels empty.
ReplyDeleteI think that's a large part of "empty nest syndrome." A person's life has been focused on his or her family, especially in the case of a full time homemaker, and suddenly the family is gone, and life feels so empty if they haven't anticipated it and planned for it.
When our cross-country move came up, I realized my role was going to shift drastically, and I would have to reinvent a new one for myself. Suddenly I was going from full-time wife, momm, and grandmother, with two young adults living at home, to just wife. I gave a lot of thought and prayer to it.
I still miss my family, but it has been more difficult for my husband, who had not realized it would hit him so hard. The fact that he talked to each of his stateside children and received a postcard from the other during birthday week has been a big help to him. The fact that they initiated the calls was even more important.
We thought about driving out for Spring Break! What a fun impulse! Decided it's better if we go in summer, so we plan to see our family then! Can't wait to visit with my sons and their wives and adorable children!
I originally wrote a lovely post that was much somewhat different than that one, but I neglected to do the word verification or something so it's not here. Sigh. The computer has its advantages but pen and ink doesn't erase as easily. So I got the gist of it in here but of course second time around is different. In the first one I focused more on the goals and activities I have developed here and how wandering into a meaningful job has helped me have purpose in life.
ReplyDeleteFor me, feelings of fulfillment come from accomplishing things, getting stuff done. Whether it is walking my dog or painting the stair railing or raking up absurd amounts of leaves, I just enjoy being busy. I would not find a life of leisure and book reading fulfilling, despite how nice it sounds.
ReplyDeleteSo, a full life for me is one in which I am always on the go, and useful. Lucky for me, there's always some way to be useful.
People are important to me, but I've been withdrawing from that need a bit. I live states away from my folks, and have had approximately 30 roomates over the last 3 years. I love Ben, clearly, and my dog and my folks, but I'm learning to find satisfaction in my own activities instead of individuals who function outside of my control (as well they should).
A busy, full life isn't a destination. It is a journey, as with so many things worth pursuing. As for teaching it to another generation or some such, I'll be around for advice and to share experiences, but I recognize that my perspective is my own and that they'll probably find a more suitable one for themselves.