Day 202 Y25 Thought of the Day_Finding Meaning

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Mahatma Gandhi

What usually comes to mind when you read this quote by Gandhi is how you’ll have a more meaningful life when you not just focus on your personal growth and success, but in being of service to others. It talks about a sense of fulfillment that is gained by being selfless.

However, this touched me deeply on a different level. I recall my period of grief after losing my better half, five years ago. That painful loss made me lose sight of who I am. I found my way out of that darkness by reaching out and helping others.

I wasn’t trying to make myself feel better by being with those who had it worse. Rather, it was a testament that as humans, the most meaningful part of our life is connection. The desire to care for others and being cared for in return.

My grief made me realize that I have so much love left to give, even if I was heartbroken. Channeling that towards serving others made my heart whole again. I was able to move forward because of that.

At present, I’m at a crossroads again. I’m dealing with a lot of uncertainties, and wondering where life is taking me. There is not much to speak of in terms of career success, since the goal I carved out when I came to Canada took on a different form.

I find myself wondering whether my time spent in this country, temporary as it may be, was meant for doing something more meaningful and not just succeeding in life as an immigrant.

And so, I gravitate towards those meaningful activities as I’m able. I was grateful for finding a spiritual family through a local church that has been my support system for the last two years (and counting).

I try to give back with what my skills and capabilities allow me. Whether it is volunteering in the church services, and with the recent week-long vacation bible school (VBS) which concluded the other week.

My heart was filled to the brim, coming out of that experience. It was mostly due to the daily reminders of how good our God is, and I see it, in each and every child and adult who participated in that activity.

It gave me hope that even if I’m still figuring out who I’m supposed to become, and where this immigrant path is leading me, none of this time spent is wasted. I’m where I’m supposed to be.