“I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is, after all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.” – Leo Rosten
The idea of fulfilling the basic human need of “Significance” is not new in fact, it is imperative in recovery. Every individual needs to have hope in their lives. We need to know we matter and in recovery giving back to others fulfills this need. Of course, if we thrive on significance or are fueled solely on significance it can lead to challenges in our life as well.
I must admit I have been subject for many years to prove to myself and others that I matter. I began to realize it one day when I said to my sons mom, “I want to be someone, I want to accomplish great things”, she responded, “are you kidding me? You have attained a Masters Degree from a great school”, she continued to list the accomplishments and reminded me that I was an addict and alcoholic that was thrown out of school, tossed from the Army, went to prison… and now you think you haven’t accomplished great things?” She shook her head.
It did not completely sink in to be honest. But it has over time. We must fulfill the human need of Significance, but not at the risk of missing the enjoyment of living life to its fullest. Life is meant to be enjoyed and not to be endured.
Go, Go, Go…
Dan 🙂