A meaningful life

A meaningful life

How can compelling narratives motivate and inspire others? This instalment of All In The Mind zooms in on what really keeps people afloat emotionally: meaning, purpose and the tiny moments that make life feel worthwhile. The show, hosted by Lynne Malcolm, features positive psychologist Michael Steger and resilience specialist Maria Sirwa from the Happiness and Its Causes conference.

Together, they talk about why a clear sense of meaning isn’t a luxury but a foundation for long-term happiness, better health and, in some studies, even longer life. As Michael puts it, "life is what you pay attention to" and "moments are the currency of how we live" – ideas that are especially relevant if you're rebuilding life after addiction or loss.

You’ll hear about Michael’s simple but striking photo exercise: giving people a camera for a week and asking them to capture what feels most meaningful. That small task boosted people’s sense of happiness and purpose, highlighting how focusing on relationships, family, work that helps others, and everyday pleasures can shift how life feels. He stresses that meaning tends to be shared – through volunteering, generosity and showing up for others – rather than hoarded.

Maria brings in the perspective of deep grief and resilience, including the story of losing her younger brother to cancer and still noticing beauty in a pink spring blossom and blue sky moments after his death. She argues that resilience begins with facing "how dark it is" and then deliberately "integrate the good", even when life feels like a swamp.

Her work with seriously ill children shows how connection, generosity and being both "broken and whole at the same time" can sit side by side. For anyone curious about living a happier, more authentic life – especially through tough times or recovery – this conversation offers practical exercises, gentle humour and hard-won wisdom. So what moments are you ready to make matter a little more today?