When have you felt fully alive?
Let your peak moments reveal what matters.
To find meaningful activities, or even your life purpose, start by asking:
🤔 When have I felt fully alive?
Sometimes we feel a lack of purpose or that our activities don’t really matter, leaving us restless, uncertain, unfulfilled, or empty. These feelings drive us to seek what makes time feel worthwhile. The moments we felt fully alive often show what truly matters to us. Look back at the times you felt engaged and energized. Notice the patterns. They’re clues about what makes life meaningful.
To find those patterns, write down at least four past times when you felt your best: joyful, fully alive, engaged, energized, fulfilled, or in flow. Note what you did, where you were, who you were with, how it felt, and why it mattered. These snapshots reveal the activities, environments, and relationships that give your life meaning. Use photos or journal entries to jog your memory. Be honest, and don’t exaggerate. Don’t judge yourself; there are no right or wrong feelings about what you experienced.
Each of these moments acts like a signpost, pointing you to what matters.
Think of areas like:
👉 School or study: Working on a group project in the library with classmates. You felt focused and motivated; it mattered because you contributed and learned together.
👉 Work (paid or unpaid): Leading a team meeting in your office. You felt energized and confident; it mattered because you made an impact and guided others.
👉 Hobbies, travel, or sports: Hiking in the woods with friends. You felt exhilarated and full of awe; it mattered because you shared joy, embraced adventure, and connected with nature.
👉 Community, family, or friends: Cooking for family in your kitchen. You felt warm and joyful; it mattered because you contributed, had fun, and strengthened bonds.
👉 Personal growth, creativity, or self-improvement: Painting alone at home. You felt inspired and absorbed; it mattered because you built skills and expressed your ideas.
Review your list. Spot patterns. Notice the activities, people, and places that appear most. Focus on why each experience mattered. Was it connection, autonomy, competence, growth, or contribution? These are your clues. Let them guide how you spend your time.
Do more of what matches your values and needs, and watch life come alive.
