A Life of Meaning
Do you feel like you are living a life of meaning or do you struggle to find meaning or purpose in your life? For tonight’s Her Growth Collective, let’s explore a life of meaning.
I just finished Dr. Edith Eger’s book, The Choice, which to date may be the most powerful book I have ever read. In it, she recounts her experience in the concentration camps, her liberation, and her path to healing and helping others as a trauma psychologist.
Dr. Eger also shares the person and book that changed her life, Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search For Meaning. Frankl was a neurologist, pyschiatrist, philosopher, author, and fellow Holocaust survivor. His belief that a person’s meaning in life can be the primary motivational force and factor in their mental health provided the foundational principles for positive psychology (the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive).
Both Eger and Frankl recount their experiences of unimaginable pain and trauma, yet both share how they were able to have hope and find meaning in their life.
I have held onto Eger’s words, “Suffering is universal. Victimhood is optional.” We will all experience hardships in life, each person’s story is unique to them; therefore, there is no use comparing our suffering. Eger and Frankl share their stories to help people see that regardless of their suffering, you have the power within you to rise above.
I have been working through pain, trauma, and heartache over the past year and I know I am not alone. I realized that a common thread throughout my journey is believing that this experience can be an opportunity for greater healing and growth both for myself and my family. This belief that some good can come from the pain is what has helped keep me moving forward.
I’m still learning and have just started to unpack Dr. Eger and Dr. Frankl’s work, but I think it is important. I truly believe everyone’s story has the power to change someone’s life, including yours (yes, you!). May we keep leaning in, looking for the opportunities, and trusting that our life experiences have given us the gift of meaning in our life.
This post is written in partnership with#hergrowthcollective, encouraging women to walk the path of self-development together.
