One of the problems of life in modern times is just how unhappy people are. Consumerism has replaced community and depression from a life unfulfilled is commonplace.

It is very easy to fall into this trap since we become creatures of routines and habits. We have to break out of these routines that are unhealthy for our bodies and our minds.

The way to do this is through intentional living. It is living with a purpose each and every day. Finding ways to be happy has to become a habit and doing this that bring us joy should be commonplace.

It takes a shift in mindset to achieve this kind of life. In this article, I will go over some ways that you can start finding the purpose in your life and live happier.

Find your community

One surefire way to be unhappy in life is to live the myth of individualism. No, I am not suggesting we become communists. I mean that individualism has replaced community and we are suffering for it.

There are a lot of ways to build a community of like minded people or to become part of an already existing community.

It can be as simple as getting involved with events in your town to create some civic pride. For the religious type, joining a church is helpful as they have a built in community like this faith based organization in Austin.

For others, it happens by finding people with the same interests as them and building relationships with them.

Make happiness a habit

It is easy to slip into a rut and forget about the things that make you happy. Make a list of all the things you can do everyday that make you happy. 

Then, just make sure you tick some of those boxes every day. Jot down things like going for a walk, listening to music, going to a movie, calling up a friend or sitting in a coffee shop with a magazine.

Pretty soon, these things become a habit and your days are much brighter.

Get organized

Giving back in a selfless way is a wonderful way to live intentionally. When you help others, you are essentially helping yourself. Easing the suffering of others is selfless and selfish at the same time. It will not only help others in need, it will give you a sense of fulfillment.

Find ways to volunteer in your community. It can be working a few hours per week in a soup kitchen, starting a canned food drive, or getting people together to clean up the public parks.

Find your purpose

Let’s say you love to travel. Is that your purpose? To just go on a cruise or see the Eiffel tower? I would say that this kind of travel is not intentional. If you like to travel, then go somewhere that you can learn something. Volunteer at an archaeological dig instead. Or, become a WOOFER where you work on a small family farm for room and board.

This is how you bring intention into your life and live with purpose.