Hi, sorry for being a little late than usual. I missed writing here and engaging with you. I always feel wonderful and inspired when I see that other blogs are interacting with my posts. You put a smile on my face every day, so I wanted to sincerely thank all my readers 🙂 This week, I wanted to focus on building meaning in our lives. Doing The Building Meaning Calendar by VIA Character Institute inspired me for this, so I highly recommend checking that out.

Learning Different States of Mind

Well, we think that we know all the emotions and feelings humans are capable of. I certainly thought that before I started reading and listening more about positive psychology. I wanted to share 2 “states” that can help you with finding meaning in your life. There are lots of books and podcasts on each, and even though I like to have a deep dive into them, I thought I could just write the definitions here to think about them. Even knowing their definitions helps you to incorporate them into your life.

-Awe

The specific relevant content for this request, if necessary, delimited with characters: Awe is an intense emotional experience that is accompanied by an overwhelming sense of wonder, amazement, and reverence. It is often triggered by encountering something grand, beautiful, or sublime, and can lead to profound feelings of connection, inspiration, and spiritual transcendence. Awe encourages a shift in perspective, prompting individuals to reassess their place in the world and contemplate the vastness and intricacies of existence. This powerful emotion has been linked to increased creativity, expanded perception of time, and a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. Embracing experiences that evoke awe can enrich our lives and foster a deeper appreciation for the wonders that surround us. (This paragraph was written by AI.)

-Zest

Zest is an enthusiastic and energetic approach to life, characterized by excitement, passion, and a keen interest in one’s pursuits. It involves a sense of invigoration and engagement with the present moment, as well as a positive anticipation for future experiences. Individuals who embody zest often exhibit high levels of enthusiasm, determination, and resilience, allowing them to approach challenges with a vibrant and optimistic mindset. This dynamic state of being encourages active participation in activities, fostering a deep appreciation for the richness and vibrancy of life. Cultivating zest can lead to enhanced motivation, increased enjoyment, and a heightened sense of vitality. Embracing the qualities of zest can contribute to a more fulfilling and rewarding existence. (This paragraph was written by AI.)

If I could define zest in one sentence, I would say being excited to wake up to a new day, that’s how I imagine it anyway.

Attention Span

One way to build meaning in our lives is to have a healthy relationship with the internet because our screen time nearly encompasses half of our days.

I recently read the “Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity” by Gloria Mark. It really helped me to use social media and the internet in a way that replenishes my energy and helps me throughout the day. As someone who tried to quit social media -more than once actually-, I find that neglecting the positive effects of social media and going cold turkey doesn’t help us at all. This book brings a new perspective on the internet and helps us have a healthy relationship with it.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s curations and have a wonderful week.