Why is it that, even as I approach 40, I cannot quite feel a sense of fulfillment?
This question is too vague as it stands, so I want to dig a little deeper.
What does it actually mean to not feel fulfilled?
An answer doesn’t come easily.
Paradoxically, I tried instead to think about the moments when I do feel fulfilled.
- Gratitude
When I am truly appreciated—by people I interact with, whether at work (customers, suppliers, or colleagues), or by family and friends—because I have been genuinely helpful.- Gratitude means being functionally useful (financially, making things easier, or providing peace of mind).
- Gratitude is not just superficial words, but when I personally feel that the other person truly means it.
- A sense of meaning
When I am working on issues that address social challenges. - Growth of those around me
When others gain new perspectives and are able to feel their own growth.
Conversely, when I am unable to be helpful, receive no gratitude from anyone, feel no sense of meaning, and cannot perceive the growth of those around me, it becomes difficult to feel fulfilled.