The question “what’s the meaning of life?” is a trap. It gets us looking for something deep, distant, mysterious, or arcane.  The question itself leads us awry.  It causes us to miss what’s right in front of us. The meaning is in the moment. Those fleeting instants that tick by. The ones we miss while we search far and away for the mystic answer.

Look in front of you. Taste the wonderful food in your mouth. Feel the sunshine on your face. Hear the sounds of the world around you be they birds or bustle. Feel the soft sheets and pillows surrounding you in bed. Marvel at the electrons lighting up to bring you this message. Hear the questions of a child and thrill in their laughter as you fill them with knowledge and joy.

The meaning of life is now. This very moment. For the next is questionable and the last is lost.

I too searched for a deeper meaning for many years. After two heart attacks, I’ve finally gotten the point. We have what we have now. We’re missing it. If you pause and take it in, you’ll be amazed by all you’ve been given. Don’t waste it looking for something that may or may not come. Embrace the now and know it’s a treasure to be enjoyed and appreciated.

***

~Mike Figliuolo is an honor graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in the top 5 percent of his class. He served in the U.S. Army as an armor officer. Mike also spent time in corporate America as a consultant at McKinsey & Company and as an executive at Capital One and Scotts Miracle-Gro. He is the founder and managing director of thoughtLEADERS, LLC

Copyright © 2015 Excellence Reporter