“When you can’t do
what you’ve always done,
then you only do
what matters most.”
Robert D. Hales

When it comes right down to it, what really matters in life? Of course, this question can be answered in many ways, but when responding to this question, a number of common themes are raised. These themes include health, meaningful relationships, a strong sense of one’s purpose in life, living authentically and in alignment with one’s values, personal growth, and overall happiness in life. These seem to be the core aspects which provide a foundation for a fulfilling life, and they are often directly related to our spiritual and personal philosophies.

Let’s take a brief look at each of these:

Health involves taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional well being. This is certainly fundamental to experiencing a full life.

Nurturing meaningful relationships, most notably developing a strong connection with our family and friends, is crucial for our overall happiness. So, too, is experiencing love and support, which are key to our basic need for belonging.

Having a “why” which drives our actions, whether we’re considering a career choice, our dreams, or the way we contribute to others and to society, provides a much-needed sense of direction and fulfillment in life and creates a strong sense of one’s purpose in life.

Living our lives authentically in such a way that we feel true to ourselves, and making choices and decisions that align with our professional and personal values, contributes to a deep sense of satisfaction with life, as well as the confidence which comes with living a life of integrity. 

Our personal growth involves continuously learning, growing, adapting, forgiving, and doing everything within our power to become the best version of ourselves. This type of personal growth contributes to a productive and fulfilling life.

Finally, when we speak of finding true happiness in life, we’re speaking of experiencing joy, gratitude, and contentment in our lives. These are often identified as the outcome of a life well-lived.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the significance of love in our lives. Having grown up in the Catholic Christian tradition, I have learned the critical importance of loving God, loving my neighbor, and (perhaps most challenging of all) loving myself. 

This same tradition emphasizes our responsibility to serve others. Helping those who need assistance, contributing to the life of our community, and acknowledging the interconnectedness of all people are central to most spiritual traditions.

Ultimately, what matters most is that we embrace a personal journey of discovery, one which enables us to identify and understand our own core values and to create a life which is consistently meaningful and aligned with those values.

These are the things that matter most in life.