The Meaning of Life Organized
Can I live up to that title? I’m going to try.
If I fall short, please know that my intention was to fulfill your expectations. As a compassionate professional organizer, I’m tuned in to client expectations. And I always strive to exceed them.
I really want you to read this tiny essay because I think it is filled with big ideas. If I had used the title that originally occurred to me, I don’t think anyone would have looked. “Wash the Dishes, Change the World” was the working title. See why I changed it?
The Meaning of Life
It is important to realize that the meaning of life is that which gives meaning to life. People who have meaning in their life almost never ask what is the meaning of life. People who ask “What is the meaning of life?” have often given up hope of finding any.
I was organizing the apartment of an elderly woman who was confined to a wheelchair. She had moved a few years ago and still had some of her dishes in a storage unit. I was helping her unpack the boxes brought over from storage.
Wash the Dishes, Change the World
While unpacking, I noticed the dishes were covered with dust and grime. I assumed those glasses were going to be too hard for her to reach from her wheelchair once they were placed back on the shelves. I filled the sink with soap and water and started washing the dishes. The woman noticed what I was doing and said, “You don’t have to do that dear. I know you’re just unpacking.” She was aware that professional organizers typically don’t clean.
I continued washing the dishes. I knew they’d just be put away dirty if I didn’t clean them. We chatted for a few minutes about her family and her new apartment. I finished the dishes and went back to tidying up her home.
Harvard on Happiness
There is an ongoing study by Harvard University on happiness. Harvard scientists have tracked people for the last eighty years to discover the meaning of happiness. Long story short, the answer is relationships. All the success, money, fame, etc. is unimportant next to the establishment of close relationships.
Simple acts of kindness that establish connections with other people give meaning to people’s lives.
When I finished working in her apartment, I turned to say goodbye. She said, “I’m so glad you came here, but I’m so sad you’re leaving.” I asked her to call me and made sure we stayed in touch.
There you have it. Wash the dishes, change the world. Fill life with meaning through simple acts of kindness that establish relationships.
That’s very close to the meaning of life.
