It’s Not About YOU by Kenny Toh, August 2004

How long does it take to realise that the universe does not revolve around you? Whether you exist or not, the universe will probably be just as equally fine. But while you are here, there is certainly something that you could do to make a difference. Then again, why bother to make a difference? Why can’t you just be happy and enjoy life? Is it really necessary to contribute to the world, and devote your life to something greater than yourself?
 

This article is inspired by one of the participant’s response during a talk I had recently given titled “The Power of Purpose”. In that talk, I shared that our purpose in life is the reason for our being, a path through which we experience meanings and fulfilment through serving something greater than ourselves, whilst bringing forth our unique talents and passion. “To serve others is not the purpose”, said one participant. He suggested that mere existence alone would suffice to fulfill our purpose and that anything else is merely conjured up by the mind.
 

Not surprisingly, this was not the first time I had received such reaction. I believe that we are here to serve and be served. It seems common that many people are preoccupied with their own well being, and in the pursuit of their needs and wants, neglected the potential for immense meanings from dedicating their energy and time to something greater than themselves. The satisfaction of needs and wants may bring enjoyment, but seldom meanings and fulfilment. It is not uncommon to hear of people who succeed at getting what they want, and still remain unhappy and empty of meanings.
 

Living a meaningful life requires a slight mental shift. Life’s not just about you, and what you get out of it. It is what you give that matters. One of my favourite quotes by Winston Churchill reads:
 

“You make a living from what you get. You make a life from what you give.”
 

Most people are just too obsessed with making a living and enjoying life that they forget to make a life. They spend their lives chasing their incessant needs and wants. It is no surprise that their lives are often lacking in meanings, happiness and fulfilment.  For those who begin to wonder about the meaning of life, I have a few suggestions:-
 

• Ask not “What is the meaning of life?”, but instead, “What makes my life meaningful?”  Life by itself is devoid of meanings. What matters is knowing what is it that is meaningful to you.
   

• Consider a life of giving and service. What have you got to give? How can you be of service to others in a passionate and inspiring way?
   

These are only preliminary considerations for experiencing greater meanings and fulfilment in life. There is tremendous power to be tapped into, if only one transcends one’s ego and contribute to something greater than oneself. One of the wonderful laws of the universe is that we get what we give. We get joy by giving others joy. To get what we wish to experience, we simply need to give.  Focusing on giving enables us to appreciate and be grateful of what we have.  We can give only give of what we have.

So, what you got to give ...

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