I was watching an old interview with Karl Jung recently and he said, ‘Man cannot stand a meaningless life.’ He thought that most abnormal behaviour stemmed from feeling that there was no purpose or meaning to the person’s life.

It really struck me that we are not generally encouraged to find our purpose or something to make our lives meaningful. The focus tends to be on getting on with it, fulfilling societal norms, rather than finding what makes it worthwhile for us.

So what does make our lives meaningful?

It may be following a passion, a talent that we have. This doesn’t have to be the main focus in our lives, but can play a part in feeling life is worthwhile.

It may be creating and maintaining a great connection with others. When we lived in real communities, as opposed to the more isolated version we now have, I suspect this played a large part.

It may be having a ‘menu’ of things we enjoy doing that keeps us lively and interested – we don’t all have a singular passion or outstanding talent.

It may be continuing to develop ourselves, looking for ways we can be at our best, in all sorts of situations, big and small.

It may be caring for others – our family, our friends, our neighbours, or in a work setting.

And it may be as simple as finding more and more ways to be happy. It doesn’t have to be some big, important thing.

So, look around, reflect. What gives meaning and purpose to your life? Make sure you give it the attention it deserves.