What Does it Take to Create a Happier, and More Meaningful Life?

Does living a meaningful life lead to a life which is longer, healthier, and happier?
 
You bet. 
 
Accumulating evidence suggests that a global sense of meaning in life is related to physical health, including increased longevity and reduced morbidity.
 
Psychologists and philosophers have long been interested in the human experience of meaning and purpose in life. And it turns out that meaning in life represents a multidimensional construct with three key components: 
 
1. Comprehension: A sense that the arc and trajectory of our life makes sense to us. 
 
2. Purpose: A sense that our life is being directed and motivated by deeply held values which we have then translated into goals.
 
3. Significance: A sense that our presence is making a positive difference relative to the things which really matter to us.
 
The issue of comprehension is one of perspective. Does our life feel as if it has been unfolding in a way which makes sense to us and is constructive? How we answer that question has a lot to do with how we interpret both the positive and negative experiences which occur. Do we tend to see them as tragedies with no redeeming qualities, or so we see them as challenges which helped us to grow and become a better, wiser, more effective person? Do we see the positive things in life as gifts and accept them with grace (and therefore with appreciation and gratitude) or do we see them as just lucky turns of events? Hence, our perspective toward our past experiences influences how we experience future events. And how we experience future events influences our mood, behavior, resourcefulness, and happiness. How do you view your past and present events? It’s a question well worth considering.*
 
The concept of “purpose” is commonly discussed today, and represents a conversation about how we put our values into action. It’s only what we do that matters in the end – not just what we think about doing. Hence, purpose is linked to our behavior. How consistent are you in acting upon that which what you believe is most important for yourself and others? The more consistent you become at acting purposefully, the more it will influence how you feel about your life.**
 
Feelings of significance are often rooted in our early childhood experiences. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be raised by loving attentive parents (or others who stepped-up and filled that role), tend to have a deeply held sense of significance which works like a stabilizing gyroscope. On the other hand, those of us who were not raised that way, often struggle to find a way to anchor our feelings of self-worth. And often  times this can lead to dysfunctional habits, behaviors, and associations. However, developing a purposeful career can often function as a successful substitute. The nurturing and support we receive through values-driven, purposeful work can function as an “earned” version of what we should have received (and deserved) as a child. ***
 
The practice of relationship-based / health-centered dentistry fulfills all three of these key building blocks,  which then can be used to create the foundation of a more healthy, happy life. 
 
Consider it.
 
Paul A. Henny, DDS
 
* If this is an area where you struggle, aligning with the right therapist, spiritual advisor, or friend can make all the difference in the world.
 
**Writing a personal philosophy statement as well as vision and mission statements are great starting points here.
 
*** Unconditionally loving spouses and children go a long way in healing these wounds as well.

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