With 2022 just getting under way, you still have time to reflect on what kind of year you want to have. Many people aspire to achieve more purpose and meaning in their lives going forward, but these broad terms can be hard to pin down.
Struggling with a lack of direction in your life can feel isolating and lead to aimlessness or distress. But when you discover your sense of fulfillment, you’ll be more energized, more confident, and more capable. If you’re in need of some inspiration, take a closer look at a few meaningful changes you can manifest in 2022.
Prioritize the pursuit of your passions
Don’t tell yourself you’re going to find time in 2022 for your hobbies and creative outlets—you’ve got to make time. Juggling all the responsibilities of adulthood is a real challenge, and it’s easy to use whatever free time you come by for just chilling out. But the effort you put into your passions will pay off in the long run, because you’ll have added a new and exciting dimension to your life that has intrinsic value.
Gardener hobbyists find that the routine of plant care helps them feel more essential and grounded in their daily lives. Those who dedicate time to artistic creation have been proven to experience noticeably positive brain-chemistry-altering effects. To get started, check out groups like Volunteer Park Trust for green thumb opportunities in a Seattle park or Berkeley’s Snap Happy: Photography Lover Club for Beginners!
Make a difference in your local community and the world at large
Meetup members are giving back all across the globe—there are over 1.5 million charitable folks in more than 2,200 volunteering groups! To make a direct impact on the people around you, you could:
- Join a trail cleanup with Orlando Volunteers!
- Teach English to underprivileged children with Korea International Volunteers
- Help feed veterans with SA Volunteer Buddies
- Use your tech skills for civic good with Code for KC
Although it may seem daunting to make an impact on wide-reaching global crises, your individual action is important. With climate change, for example, there are plenty of ways to go green in your daily life for a healthier planet.
Keep learning and trying new things
A surefire way to avoid boredom and complacency is to always be seeking knowledge and incorporating new experiences into your life. You could join an online language exchange with Spanish & English+ Meetup, prepare some Provençal plates with Chez Francois French Cooking Classes, or check out a group like Nashville’s Otter Creek Swing Dancing for free dance lessons.
You might also consider exploring alternative approaches to daily life in 2022, such as:
- Hygge — A Danish word roughly translating to “coziness,” hygge is all about creating a warm and convivial atmosphere where you can enjoy the simple things in life. Lighting candles at the dinner table is hygge. Spending quality time chatting with friends and family over warm drinks while wrapped in blankets is totally hygge. It’s no wonder that hygge and the English word “hug” descend from the same root word (the Old Norse word “hugga”, meaning to comfort or console).
- Ikigai — Similar to the French term “raison d’être,” the Japanese concept of Ikigai helps you focus on what gives your life worth. According to this principle, the most fruitful aspects of life are those which combine what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Your Ikigai sweet spot might help you rethink your career trajectory or help you become more dedicated to your interests.
Log off and relax
It’s not a groundbreaking idea: reducing your screen time is a healthy habit for your overall wellbeing. The benefits extend beyond your productivity and general mood to your sleep, your weight, your social life, and your sense of connection to the natural world.
Not all relaxation is made equal. There are lots of beneficial ways to actively relax, which sounds like an oxymoron, but it really isn’t. Relaxation doesn’t have to be synonymous with doing nothing. In fact, mindful activities and physical exertion are better at relieving stress than more idle pastimes. This year, you can plan to go on regular outings with Denver Evening Hikes, balance your mind and body with YOGA AT THE BEACH San Diego, or center yourself with the Seattle Tai-Chi Club.
Manifest your own meaningful community
You’re not the only one looking for a sense of purpose in life. You have the power to bring people together in mutual support: create your own Meetup group focused on self-improvement and meaning-making in 2022 and beyond.
Last modified on February 10, 2022
