ROCK thru to more happiness: Key 10 – Meaning
by Lee Havenga | September 21, 2023
There’s something utterly mesmerizing about being in a place where, at the top of each hour, an orchestra of chimes erupts in unison, announcing the passage of time. My grandfather created this world where time was celebrated in every tick-tock.
In his home, clocks of all shapes and sizes adorned the walls – from majestic grandfather clocks to delicate pocket watches and whimsical cuckoo clocks that never failed to amuse with their playful birdcalls. Each clock told a story, not just of hours and minutes, but of craftsmanship, history, and the art of capturing moments in intricate mechanical forms.
Today, these very timepieces, once lovingly collected by my grandfather, find their home in the U.S. National Clock and Watch Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania. It’s a place where his passion lives on, not just as a testament to his love for timepieces but as a vivid example of how a seemingly insignificant hobby can bring meaning to the world.
Engaging in activities that bring us joy can profoundly impact something greater than ourselves – something meaningful. According to the Action for Happiness organization, it’s a realization that ties into one of the 10 Keys to Happier Living. These keys spell out “GREAT DREAM,” and the last of these keys is “Meaning.”
According to their findings, meaning in life is not just a lofty concept reserved for philosophers. It’s something that each of us can actively seek and incorporate into our daily lives, and it can lead to greater happiness and satisfaction.
Your passion isn’t a hobby; it’s the gift you share with the world.
Every interest, no matter how small or niche, has the potential to make the world a better place in its own unique way.
See how each of these hobbies has the potential to inspire the world and those around us:
- Stamp Collecting: Fosters cross-cultural understanding through historical stamps.
- Bird Watching: Contributes to ornithological research and conservation.
- Amateur Theater Groups: Builds camaraderie and provides community entertainment.
- Bonsai Tree Cultivation: Promotes patience and greenery in small spaces.
- Community Choirs: Unites through music and enriches local culture.
- Kite Flying: Sparks joy and interest in aeronautics.
- Coin Collecting: Offers insights into history, economics, and art.
- Book Club: Fosters community and shared reading experiences.
- Button Collecting: Provides insight into fashion history and design.
- Paper Mache Art: Offers unique sculptures for art and theater.
- Kaleidoscope Making: Sparks wonder through everchanging art and optics
- Miniature Gardening: Promotes green spaces in urban environments.
- Volunteer Teaching: Connects mentors with eager learners, nurturing knowledge sharing.
- Fossil Hunting: Contributes to paleontology and Earth’s history.
- Beekeeping: Supports pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture.
- Sandcastle Sculpting: Brings unexpected awe to beachgoers
- Community Gardening: Strengthens neighborhood bonds and promotes sustainable agriculture.
- Bamboo Flute Playing: Shares cultural heritage and spreads musical joy.
- Antique Book Collecting: Preserves literary history and educational resources.
- Marble Racing: Brings communities together in competitive fun.
Apply it
RESPECT
Your intrinsic value and purpose remain steadfast regardless of your interests; respect yourself and acknowledge your worth
OWNERSHIP
Discover and embrace your passions, knowing that they bring purpose to your life and have the potential to enrich the world in unique ways.
CONNECTION
Forge a positive, reciprocal bond with yourself by slowing down and understanding what you truly love to do; doing what you love brings meaning to the world.
KINDNESS
Listen to your inner voice and give yourself permission to express your unique perspective, joy, and passion.
Embrace yourself fully and live a life filled with meaning. Remember that you are valuable and have a unique purpose, regardless of your interests. Respect yourself, take ownership of your actions, forge a deep inner connection, and be kind to yourself. By incorporating these principles into your life, you can ROCK thru to a happier, more meaningful existence.
XO ~ Lee
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