I believe that this is not the last life. I believe the next life is going to be perfect and beautiful. I believe in God and Heaven. Let’s stop there with the theology of God but without that premiss, my idea of the meaning of life would be moot.
The only thing that matters in this life is relationship. This is my thesis.
It is not important whether I live longer, healthier, or more “right.” It is only important how I relate to others.
This does not mean that I live unhealthfully. I want to have the energy to have good relationships but my health or idea of what is healthy should never be a relationship breaker between me and another person.
This doesn’t mean that I am reckless and dangerous but my idea of what is safe should never be a relationship breaker between me and another person.
This doesn’t mean that I don’t stand up for what is right or what is just. But I am not the judge and if my idealism comes between me and someone (who is not directly causing harm to another), there is an issue with my way of standing up for justice.
Relationship is the meaning of life.
Thoughts? What is your idea of the meaning of your life? Do you have a different premiss and thesis statement?
Life and Photos by Andy 
I like your premise, but somewhat disagree with the execution – i.e. I believe the one thing we all have in common, regardless of faith, nationality, race, culture, creed, is our desire to Love and Be Loved –
I believe that we make sacrifices/exceptions for those we know and love while condemning those who we do not – – I am okay with making concessions, compromises, etc., to keep a relationship, BUT also believe that humanity, in general, doesn’t progress to the next higher version of ourselves without the effort of those who say, “I know you disagree – I know ‘this is how things are” but I don’t think it’s right and I’m not going to support anymore – –
I say this because if certain people had not chosen to risk a stance that might be a ‘relationship breaker’ then the birth of Christianity, the end of serfdom, the end of witch hunting, heresy trials, slavery, civil rights, American Independence, the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and John Adams representation of the soldiers involved in the the Boston Massacre – just to name a very, very few examples from history – would have never occurred –
So, while I agree with the spirit of your message and fully subscribe to relationships being our life-giving force here on earth, I cannot, for myself, in all good conscience, agree to let go of beliefs that may result in a broken relationship – because for our continued spiritual evolution, I believe there will always be folks who ‘break away’ in order to serve/bring about greater justice. – sorry I took advantage of your request for comments? I do appreciate you and your blog – and hope that taking you up on your invitation has not caused offense! đŸ™‚
PS – should have said “social justice” in last paragraph – just to clarify:)
Absolutly no offense! When there is direct harm being caused, I completely agree with standing up.
đŸ™‚ I always try to reconcile the macro with the micro – – đŸ™‚ though I don’t have the patience/perseverance to be a true philosopher, I do yearn to find one ‘statement’ that will always be true – no matter the circumstance – – LOL – realize the folly, but doesn’t keep me from being excited when I read something that I think is ‘coming close’ – such as here! đŸ™‚ Thanks again for the beautiful and thought provoking post!