The Struggle for Meaning and Purpose

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us struggle with finding true meaning and purpose. We often go through life on autopilot, checking off tasks, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling obligations—but at times, we can feel as though something is missing. We might feel disconnected, like we're moving through life without a clear direction or a deep sense of belonging.

The Search for Meaning

Finding meaning is a deeply personal and, at times, painful journey. It’s not something that comes easily, and it’s not something that can be "found" overnight. For many people, the search for meaning can be a lifelong quest. This search is particularly difficult in a world that often encourages quick fixes and instant gratification rather than deep, thoughtful reflection. We live in an era where distractions are abundant—social media, entertainment, work demands—all of which can make it harder to pause and reflect on what truly matters.

The Loneliness of Losing Sense and Purpose

The absence of meaning often lead to feelings of boredom, numbness, or emptiness. It’s not that we don't have things to do; we may be busy, even overwhelmed with tasks—but those tasks can start to feel meaningless. We might feel disconnected from ourselves, others, or our work. This sense of being adrift can be unsettling.

When we don’t feel like we have a larger purpose guiding us, life can become difficult to navigate. We can feel overwhelmed by uncertainty, and even the smallest challenges can seem insurmountable. The need for purpose is deeply embedded in human nature, and without it, we struggle to find motivation, focus, and joy in our everyday lives.

The Impact of Boredom and Disconnection

Boredom is a common feeling when we lose sense of purpose. It’s easy to think that boredom is simply an uncomfortable emotion we must tolerate, but often, it’s a signal that we’re out of touch with our deeper needs. When we’re bored, we’re often disengaged—whether from work, relationships, or life itself. We look for ways to fill time, sometimes filling it with distractions—whether that’s endless scrolling through social media, watching TV, or overworking ourselves. These distractions can temporarily ease the discomfort of boredom, but they don’t provide the lasting sense of fulfillment or satisfaction we’re craving.

I know that it’s hard.  As a psychotherapist as well as In my personal life I’ve seen how difficult it can be to feel truly connected to a larger purpose. But I believe that with reflection, and a willingness to explore, you can start to make sense of your experiences and uncover the meaning that lies within them. This journey will take time, and it may not always be easy and can feel overwhelming—it’s easy to get stuck in patterns of confusion and indecision, unsure of where to begin.

But I also believe that this journey is not only possible, but that it can be transformational but it is worth it.  We don’t have to navigate it alone. Through self-reflection, intentional action, and deep connection to others, it is possible to find a sense of belonging, purpose, coherence, transcendence, and responsibility. As you begin to explore these concepts and practices, you’ll find that each small step you take will lead to greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment.

These five elements—Belonging, Purpose, Coherence, Transcendence, and Responsibility—form the foundation of how we create meaning in our lives. They are not rigid formulas, but dynamic, deeply personal experiences that help us make sense of who we are and why we’re here. Belonging grounds us in relationships and community, reminding us that we’re not alone. Purpose gives us direction, something to strive toward that aligns with our values. Coherence helps us understand our life as a story with continuity and meaning, even through pain or change. Transcendence connects us to something larger—through art, nature, spirituality, or profound moments that lift us beyond the everyday. And Responsibility roots us in care—for others, for ourselves, or for a cause greater than our own interests. Each person experiences and prioritizes these elements differently—what brings one person a strong sense of purpose might not resonate with another. Some may find deep meaning through community, others through solitude and reflection

What can e helpful is not to chase an idealized version of meaning—some perfect, fixed purpose that’s supposed to make everything fall into place. That kind of search often leads to more pressure and disconnection, not clarity. Meaning isn’t something you find once and for all—it’s something you build, gradually, through honest reflection, lived experience, and small, intentional choices.

Each of us is wired differently. What gives one person a deep sense of purpose—raising children, creating art, building a business—might not resonate with someone else at all. Some people feel most alive when they’re surrounded by others, immersed in community; others feel meaning most vividly in solitude, silence, or spiritual reflection. What matters is not how your version of meaning compares to someone else’s, but how closely it reflects your truth.

These five essential elements—belonging, purpose, coherence, transcendence, and responsibility—are tools for self-discovery. Through reflection, practice, and time, you’ll start to see which of these are already alive in your life, which ones may need more attention, and how they can come together in a way that feels real and sustaining for you.

Looking for sense, purpose and meaning is not a test to pass or a puzzle to solve. It’s a gentle unfolding—an invitation to listen more closely to yourself, to notice what matters, and to live with a deeper sense of direction and connection in your everyday life.