Excellence Reporter: Chris, what is the meaning of life?

Chris Edmonds: We live in a rat race.

The fast pace of modern life does not easily allow authentic connections. Marketing messages tell us we’re too heavy, too slow, too gray. We don’t have the right friends. We’re not driving the coolest car, drinking the right beer, or seen in the cool clubs.

The messages we hear tell us we’re not good enough.

Yet, we’re just fine. We simply need to be intentional about our purpose, values, and behaviors, then engage in values-aligned activities that serve others.

Build yourself up so you can build others up. You have much to offer — and the world needs nice, genuine people, today more than ever before.

Start small. Smile at people. Say “thank you.” Open doors.

Work up to more structured service avenues. Volunteer at a local non-profit, clean up trails at your local park, or play music at a senior center.