Happiness is something many of us desire, yet it often feels elusive. We often chase it through external accomplishments, relationships, or material possessions, but the true key to happiness lies not in what we attain but in how we view ourselves and our past. Central to this self-view are two fundamental concepts: meaning and purpose. While these are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Both are essential for happiness, but they operate in different ways.

Today, we’ll explore the critical role trauma plays in shaping both meaning and purpose in our lives. Whether we realize it or not, trauma, whether large or small, influences how we make sense of our past and guides us toward a fulfilling future.

Before we dive into trauma, it’s important to first clarify what meaning and purpose actually are. While purpose is action-based and forward-looking, meaning is rooted in our past and how we make sense of the experiences we’ve lived through.

Purpose is about the present and future—it’s about what we do today and how we move forward. It’s the actions we take to light us up and pursue the things that bring us joy. In essence, purpose is our guiding force, helping us take action and stay focused on what excites us.

Meaning, on the other hand, is about how we interpret our past, especially the difficult and traumatic moments we’ve lived through. It’s the story we tell ourselves about those experiences. The way we process trauma determines whether we feel empowered by it or if we let it hold us back. Happy people often tell themselves a “hero story”—a narrative in which they faced their struggles and came out stronger. These individuals are able to look at their past traumas, process them, and realize that they overcame those challenges. They view themselves as

© Psychology Today