There’s a huge difference between just existing and truly living.

The difference boils down to purpose. Living without purpose feels like going through the motions without any real direction.

Finding your purpose, on the other hand, brings meaning and fulfillment into your life. It’s about making choices that align with your deepest values and passions.

How do you know if you’re beginning to live with meaning and purpose, or just going through the motions like most people often do?

After thoroughly examining my own life journey and those of my closest companions, I’ve compiled a list of unmistakable signs that can help you decipher the narrative of your existence.

If these ring true, it might be an indication that you’re aligning with your life’s purpose and starting to live with profound meaning.

1) Embracing authenticity

One of the first signs you’re beginning to live with meaning and purpose is when you start embracing your authentic self.

Living authentically means shedding the layers of societal expectations and preconceived ideas. It involves stepping out of your comfort zone, daring to be different, and embracing the unique qualities that make you, you.

When you’re true to yourself, your actions align with your values and beliefs. This alignment creates a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that surpasses anything superficial or materialistic.

Embracing authenticity is not always about grand gestures. It can be as simple as speaking up when something doesn’t sit right with you, pursuing a hobby you love even if it’s not “cool,” or choosing to spend your time with people who respect and appreciate the real you.

Living authentically might not always be easy – it requires courage, self-awareness, and vulnerability. But it’s a clear sign that you’re starting to live a life filled with meaning and purpose.

2) Welcoming discomfort

It may seem counterintuitive, but another sign that you’re starting to live with meaning and purpose is when you welcome discomfort into your life.

Living a purposeful life often means stepping off the well-trodden path and venturing into unknown territories. This can bring about feelings of unease, uncertainty, and even fear. However, it is through these discomforting experiences that we grow and evolve.

When we challenge ourselves, we push our boundaries and unlock new levels of potential. We learn more about who we are, what we value, and what we’re capable of. This self-discovery fuels personal growth and brings us closer to our true purpose.

Embracing discomfort doesn’t mean you have to live in a constant state of stress or anxiety. It’s about accepting that growth comes from challenges and understanding that the discomfort is temporary, but the progress is lasting.

Welcoming discomfort might be challenging – it tests our resilience and grit. But it’s an undeniable sign that you’re pursuing a life imbued with meaning and purpose.

3) Making a difference

One of the most fulfilling signs that you’re living with purpose is the joy of giving when you’re making a difference in the world, no matter how big or small. 

Living a purposeful life often involves serving others and contributing positively to the world around us. This can be as grand as starting a non-profit organization, or as simple as volunteering at a local charity, or perhaps you’re using your skills to help others in some way.

Whatever form it takes, giving back to others adds a layer of depth and purpose to our lives that simply cannot be achieved through personal gain alone.

Living with purpose often means using your gifts, time, and energy to contribute to something bigger than yourself. It’s about knowing that in some way, you’re making the world a better place.

Experiencing joy in giving might not come naturally – it challenges our self-centered tendencies. But it’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and understanding that when we uplift others, we are uplifted in return.

If you find yourself actively seeking out opportunities to help others and make a positive impact, it’s a profound sign that you’re beginning to live with meaning and purpose.

4) Appreciating the present moment

A clear sign that you’re beginning to live with meaning and purpose is the heightened appreciation of the present moment.

In our fast-paced, future-oriented world, we often overlook the beauty and significance of the here and now. However, the present moment is all that truly exists. The past has passed, and the future is yet to unfold. It’s in the present where life happens.

Mindfulness, or the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment has been shown to improve mental health and overall well-being. It’s not just a trendy buzzword but a fundamental aspect of living a purposeful life.

Appreciating the present moment doesn’t mean disregarding your past or future. It’s about striking a balance between learning from your past, planning for your future, and immersing yourself in the present.

Embracing the present moment might not be easy – it requires patience and practice. But it’s an undeniable indication that you’re living a life filled with meaning and purpose.

5) Accepting imperfections

Living with meaning and purpose doesn’t mean striving for an unattainable image of perfection. It involves accepting your imperfections and acknowledging that they are a part of what makes you human.

We all make mistakes, have regrets, and possess flaws. These are not signs of weakness, but rather evidence of our humanity. They shape us, teach us, and ultimately, they fortify us.

When you accept your imperfections, you liberate yourself from the pressures of perfectionism. You allow yourself to try, to fail, to learn, and to grow without the crushing weight of unrealistic expectations.

Accepting your imperfections doesn’t mean becoming complacent with your shortcomings. It’s about acknowledging them as opportunities for growth and resilience.

This acceptance might not come easily – it requires humility and self-compassion. But it’s a potent sign that you’re living a life grounded in authenticity, meaning, and purpose.

6) Embracing solitude

In a world that prizes constant connection and social engagement, it may seem unusual to suggest that embracing solitude can be a sign of living with meaning and purpose.

Solitude is not about isolating oneself or shunning social interactions. Instead, it’s about carving out time for introspection and self-discovery. These quiet moments allow us to connect with our inner selves, reflect on our values and aspirations, and rejuvenate our minds and spirits.

When we embrace solitude, we create the space necessary to tune into our inner voice and understand what truly brings us joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose.

Embracing solitude doesn’t mean escaping from the world. It’s about balancing social interactions with periods of quiet reflection.

Cultivating solitude might feel uncomfortable at first – especially in our always-connected world. But it’s a powerful sign that you’re living a life rich in introspection, self-awareness, and purpose.

7) Aligning actions with values

Living with meaning and purpose is not just about identifying your values, it’s about aligning your actions with those values.

Our values serve as our compass, guiding us through life’s challenges and decisions. When our actions are consistent with our values, we experience a sense of harmony and fulfillment. We feel grounded, purposeful, and true to ourselves.

Aligning actions with values is not always an easy task. It often requires difficult decisions, personal sacrifice, and resilience in the face of adversity. Yet it’s these very challenges that deepen our sense of purpose and meaning.

Aligning actions with values doesn’t mean being inflexible or dogmatic. It’s about striving for congruence between what you believe in and how you live your life, while remaining open to growth and new perspectives.

This alignment may require effort and dedication – but it’s a compelling sign that you’re living a life infused with meaning and purpose.

8) Forming deeper connections

As you begin to live with more meaning and purpose, you might notice a change in your relationships. The superficial connections of the past no longer satisfy you, and instead, you start seeking deeper, more meaningful relationships.

It’s about quality over quantity. You might have fewer friends, but the friendships you do have are rich with mutual respect, shared values, and genuine care.

These relationships are not just about having fun or passing time together. They’re about supporting each other through life’s ups and downs, sharing experiences, and growing together.

Forming these deeper connections is not always easy. It requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to invest time and energy. But the rewards are immeasurable.

In the end, living a life of meaning and purpose is deeply intertwined with our relationships. After all, we’re social beings, and our connections with others add depth and richness to our lives. So if you find yourself forming deeper connections, it’s a heartfelt sign that you’re on the right path.

9) Prioritizing values

A shift in priorities is often one of the strongest signs you’re living with meaning and purpose.

Consider how you spend your time. What once seemed important may no longer hold your interest, while other things start to take center stage.

Living with meaning isn’t about chasing success or accumulating wealth. It’s about aligning your life with your deepest values.

When you start to prioritize your values over external validation or material gain, that’s a clear sign you’re on the path towards a purposeful life.

But remember, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Your values are unique to you, and what brings meaning and purpose to your life might look completely different from someone else’s.

So take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Once you start making decisions based on those values, you’ll find yourself living a life of greater meaning and purpose.

10) Experiencing synchronicity

Synchronicity is a term coined by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. He described it as the occurrence of two or more events that appear meaningfully related but are not causally connected.

You might start noticing these ‘meaningful coincidences’ more often when you’re living with purpose. Perhaps you randomly meet someone who can help you with a project you’re passionate about, or you stumble upon a book that answers a question you’ve been pondering.

When we align our lives with our values and intentions, we tend to notice these occurrences more. It’s as if the universe is conspiring to help us on our path.

It’s not about believing in fate or destiny, but rather recognizing that when we are in tune with our purpose, we become more open and aware of opportunities that align with our path.

So if you’re noticing more synchronicity in your life, it could be a sign that you’re living with meaning and purpose.

Embarking on the journey of purposeful living

The path towards living with meaning and purpose is an intensely personal and lifelong journey. It’s not about ticking off a checklist of signs and suddenly finding yourself in a state of constant fulfillment and purpose.

Instead, it’s about continual growth, introspection, and learning. It’s about aligning your actions with your deepest values, embracing authenticity, forming meaningful connections, and making a difference in your own unique way.

Remember, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to this journey. What brings meaning and purpose to one person might look entirely different for someone else. It’s not a competition or a race but a personal exploration of what truly matters to you.

Living with meaning and purpose is more than just a lifestyle. It’s an attitude, a mindset, an approach to life that enriches our experiences and gives depth to our existence. It empowers us to live intentionally, to make a positive impact, and ultimately, to lead a life that we are proud of.

As you navigate this journey, be gentle with yourself. Celebrate your progress, learn from your setbacks, and continually strive to live in alignment with your true self. Remember that each step you take towards living with meaning and purpose is a step towards a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

So embark on this journey with courage and conviction. The path may be uncertain and the journey challenging, but the rewards are truly immeasurable.

In the wise words of Mark Twain, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” So here’s to finding your why and beginning to live with meaning and purpose.