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In a non-masochistic way, suffering is the best thing to happen to me.
Viktor Frankl’s Man Search for Meaning reversed the way I viewed pain. Whereas it was once something to be avoided, it was now something to accept and glean meaning from. Coupled with my reading of the Stoics, I walked away with a philosophy of accepting all that which was not in my control and making the best of imperfect conditions.
In the past year, however, I’ve come to understanding that, for me, most of my meaning must involve suffering. I doubt this is the case for everything, but I can’t help but see the experience of overcoming discomfort inherently what provides meaning.
What Makes Something Worth Meaning
This is a decision we all make, but I don’t think we often come to similar conclusions. We do not decide meaning on a whim. I can’t simply decide I want to extract all my meaning from watching YouTube. I could try for a bit, but I’d feel a nagging feeling.
There would be a longing for connection that I didn’t feel, a longing to do what I’ve always wanted to do. Watching YouTube for hours isn’t worth meaning, and I don’t think there’s anything I could do to make it so.
I find the most meaning when I look at a fear, hold it up to the light, notice its…
