by Erae Nelsen

Created on: November 20, 2008

There comes a point in everyone's life (sometimes several points) when you realize that all the things you have worked for don't really fulfill you. Certainly you may have a roof over your head, a new car, a dream job, even a little family of your own... but still, you want something more.

Well, don't worry. There is plenty more out there beyond the things you can hold in your hand. What you're yearning for is probably a mixture of answers, pride and, love. Fortunately, no matter your age, there are several ways to go about getting them.

Yearning for something more out of life means that you are looking for something beyond the day to day. You may want to feed your spirit, you might be in desperate need of something to feed your ego, you may have realized that things that seemed important are really trivial in the big picture and you've lost touch with your family. Perhaps it is depression setting in. Maybe you've just truly realized that you aren't going to live forever.

Whatever the reasons- don't write it off as a phase that will pass. Take the time to find everything you are longing for. Perhaps it is time to attend church. Maybe it is time to treat yourself to something frivolous. The red sports car? The trip to Tahiti? You may not be able to take them with you, but you sure can enjoy them while they last. Find a charity and a balance between Ebeneezer Scrooge and his nephew Bob.

To get out of your rut, make goals. Experiment with different spirituality until you find one that represents your ideals and beliefs. Find a charity that does the same. You'll feel good and make others feel better. Ask at the church, temple or meeting of your choice. They'll probably have a list of charities they support.

Maybe it's time for a career change? It is never too late to go back to school. Find education within your budget. Even if you have no money you can still learn a lot from a public library. That's a free start in the right direction. If you already have the education you need, then what are you waiting for? Set some emergency savings aside and wish yourself luck. Changing things up can be its own reward.

Perhaps you need to reconnect with your loved ones. Have you lost touch with all of your friends? Are you growing apart from your spouse? Do you know all of your relatives? Take the time to host gatherings, share family photos and stories. Every moment you invest will reward you and fulfill you.

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