I was prompted by a question earlier this morning, “What does it mean to live a meaningful life?”

For many, we might answer – ‘to life life to the fullest’. But, in reality – what does that mean?

As Buddhist teacher, Rodney Smith, once wrote: “There is…a search for purpose which goes on in almost everyone.”

And, we’ve all sensed this, haven’t we? This much deeper knowing which indescribably draws us nearer to where our hearts most need to be. We may feel it as a gentle nudge,or a nearly unbearable unsettledness.

Though, always with the intention of ‘carrying us home.’

Thich Nhat Hanh once described, “Happiness means feeling you are on the right path *every* moment. You don’t need to arrive at the end of the path in order to be happy. The right path refers to the very concrete ways you live your life in every moment.”

So, what does it mean to live a meaningful life? Is it fame, money, or material pleasures? Is it always having things go our way?

Or, is it something much bigger still? In this way, perhaps, true happiness can be found within each and every step?

In many ways, the path reveals itself to us. And, as we draw back the branches and the prickly overgrowth, we must remind ourselves –  to have ‘courage enough’ to stay.

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage,” writes Anaïs Nin.

Indeed, to have courage enough to stay this course, my darlings – is the means by which we may discover our heart’s true purpose.