"بالغ بودن به معنای پذیرش مسئولیت تعریف معنا در زندگی ما است، ایجاد اشکال جدید معنا از طریق کار، روابط و احساس کامل بودن زندگی."

Maturity isn’t just about age. It’s about owning up to the fact that you have the power—and the duty—to carve out meaning in your life. It’s about stepping up and acknowledging that your work, your relationships, and your experiences all contribute to this journey of creating meaning.

Imagine you’re in your mid-20s. You’ve just graduated from college, and the world seems like a big, confusing place. You’re not sure what to do with your life. This is where the idea of maturity really kicks in. Instead of waiting for life to hand you a purpose, you actively seek it. Maybe you start by finding a job that speaks to your strengths and passions. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away, but it’s a step. You’re creating meaning through your work.

Think about a historical figure like Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist. In the direst circumstances, he found meaning by helping others and by mentally creating a future for himself beyond the concentration camps. His experiences led him to write "Man's Search for Meaning," where he argues that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud suggested, but the pursuit of what we find meaningful. Frankl’s story exemplifies how we can find meaning even in the worst situations.

Now, let’s bring it down to a more relatable example. Think about Emily, who’s in her 30s and works in marketing. She’s passionate about environmental issues, but her job doesn’t exactly align with that passion. Instead of feeling stuck, she volunteers at a local environmental nonprofit on weekends. She’s creating meaning in her life through this work, even though it’s not her full-time job. Her relationships also play a key role. She connects with like-minded individuals, and these relationships add another layer of meaning to her existence.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by recognizing that you have the power to define what’s meaningful to you. This might mean taking a hard look at your job, your relationships, and your hobbies. Are they fulfilling? If not, what small steps can you take to move in a more meaningful direction? Maybe it’s taking a night class in something you’re passionate about or setting aside time to nurture your relationships.

Here’s a story to drive it home. Picture Tom, who’s feeling pretty lost. He’s got a decent job, but it’s not lighting any fires. One day, he decides to rekindle an old hobby—woodworking. He starts small, making little trinkets for friends and family. Over time, this hobby grows into something more. He begins to sell his creations online, and even though it’s not his main source of income, it gives him a deep sense of satisfaction. His relationships improve too—he’s more present, more engaged. Tom didn’t wait for meaning to find him; he went out and created it.

So next time you’re feeling adrift, remember that maturity means taking control. It means understanding that the fullness of your existence is in your hands—through the work you do, the relationships you nurture, and the passions you pursue. It’s all about making your life something that feels truly yours.