Finding Meaning in an ordinary day

Finding Meaning In An Ordinary Day:

By Diane Lang

We can get stuck in the thought process “What is the meaning of life?” and “Why am I here?" Personally, I don’t have the answers to these big questions of life. Sometimes I enjoy pondering these questions and other times it can bring frustration and confusion. Instead, we can find comfort in finding meaning in our every day lives.

Ways to find meaning in your day

1. We need to acknowledge that we matter, that our lives are significant. Every day we do can do something significant for someone else whether it’s family, friends or a complete stranger. We have the ability to impact someone else’s life each and every day

2. What if you choose to live today like it was a miracle? Each day is a gift. We are not promised any specific time frame so treating each day as special gives it meaning. Start noticing all the small blessings that happen through out your day and you will find meaning in your day. Notice the momentary moments of bliss: the cup of coffee while watching the sunrise, a few minutes of quiet time in nature, spending time with someone you love, etc.

3. We can create meaning by taking our stressful and frustrating daily situations and finding ways to cope. When we learn these coping skills, we can share it with it others. Sometimes meaning is created by life’s lessons. We can share our situation to let others know they are not alone. We could teach them ways to cope and in return feel a sense of purpose and meaning by helping others. We can learn empathy from these situations which in return can help strengthen relationships.

4. You can create meaning by setting an intention for the day. What kind of day do you want to have? Set a goal? What will you accomplish today? Have a daily purpose. Meaning doesn’t have to be the big meaning/purpose/passion of your life, it could de found in setting small, attainable goals daily. When the day is over and we accomplished these goals we can feel the sense of accomplishment and purpose in our day.

It can also be the small, baby step goals you set towards a big project or goal. Each day you do something towards it, gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose. For many of my clients just marking things off there to-do list gives a sense of meaning.

Looking at your day,where can you find meaning - family, pets, relationships, work, volunteer, nature, etc. there is meaning all around us if you spend some time noticing it.

Workshop schedule open to public

July 2018

Tuesday, July 17th, 9:30am - Positive Psychology

Rutgers University, The School of Social Work, NJ

Phone: 848-932-8758

Wednesday, July 18th, 6:30pm - Mindfully Happy - Waking Up to Life

Montclair Adult School, NJ

Phone: 973-744-0500 ext. 2224

Thursday, July 19th - August 2nd, 10:30am - Positive Aging

Brookdale Community College, NJ

Phone: 732- 224-2315

Monday, July 23rd, 10:30am - Mindfully Happy - Waking Up to Life

Mount Saint Mary College, NY

Phone: 845-565-2076

Monday, July 30th, 10:30am - Living a Mindful Life

Mount Saint Mary College, NY

Phone: 845-565-2076

Tuesday, July 31st, 6:30pm - Finding Your Passion

Montclair Adult School, NJ

Phone: 973-744-0500 ext. 2224

Diane's Bio

As a Therapist, Educator and Positive Living Expert, Diane has dedicated her career to helping people turn their lives around and is now on a mission to help them develop a sustainable positive attitude that can actually turn one into an optimist, literally.

Through her two books, "Creating Balance & Finding Happiness" and "Baby Steps: the Path from Motherhood to Career." Diane has been speaking and empowering parents and adults nationwide. She is also an Adjunct in Psychology at Montclair State University, where her college work includes mentoring students for personal issue advisement.

As an expert in her fields of therapy, Lang has been featured in the Daily Record, Family Circle, Family Magazine, Working Mother Magazine and Cookie Magazine, seen on NJ 12 TV, Good day CT, Style CT, The Veira Network, CBS TV and "Fox & Friends". She has also participated in a reality based Internet show, ourprisoner.com, hosted Generation X-tinet. In addition Lang writes a blog for Pazoo.com