You Are.

Why does life have to have a purpose? I fear many people suffer much existential angst on account of feeling “purposeless”. They have been socially and culturally conditioned to feel lost and worthless without a purpose. They believe unconsciously that anything or anyone without a purpose is also without meaning.

Shouldn’t we rather begin with worth? Wouldn’t it be better to believe that your life has value because it is the product of billions of tiny chance occurrences and your only, single shot at existence? Even if you believe in an afterlife, surely your experience now is unique, and your purpose, if one must be stated, is simply to be. To see what life offers, to experience each moment as fully as you can, and, even if your circumstance has been cruel and brutal, to treasure any single moment of kindness or beauty that has come your way.

A dignified life is simply one that is lived. That each one of us is on the earth at this moment or another moment in the past or future — that is enough. Dignity and value are not ascribed by overcoming adversity, great achievement, significant gravitas, or loving kindness. Dignity and value are ascribed by the lottery that put you on this earth. That you ARE is simply enough. You are equal to any of us. None can speak a more poignant truth than to say, “I AM”.

And YOU ARE.

This story was originally posted on my blog.