5 Timeless Principles for Living a Meaningful and Purposeful Life

Written by David Campaigne, Sr. Private Wealth Advisor & Partner of Blue Trust

I was recently asked this profound, thought-provoking question by a good friend and mentor:

What are the top five things you would want to convey to your children to enable them to live a more meaningful, wise, and purposeful life?

If we are fortunate enough to be parents, grandparents, and/or mentors, we often find ourselves reflecting on the lessons we wish to impart on the children and young adults in our lives. For those with teenagers standing on the cusp of adulthood, these reflections take on a new urgency. Adolescence is a time when the complexities of life begin to weigh heavier, and our children become faced with decisions that will shape their futures. How do we guide them toward a life filled with meaning, wisdom, and purpose?

Below are the principles I have shared with my own children, ages 14 and 16, and hope to continue discussing with them as they transition from their teenage years into adulthood.

1. Savor the Journey: Live in the present, learn from the past, dream for the future.

Life is a journey, not a destination. We can easily become consumed by past mistakes or overly focused on an uncertain future. Yet, the most important time is now—the present. It is where we can grow, learn, and experience the richness of life. Each day offers a new opportunity to make a difference. While we can learn from past experiences and envision the future, learning to savor the present moment is priceless.

I want my children to realize that life is about more than simply surviving each day—it’s about genuinely experiencing it. By finding joy in the everyday moments, they can uncover the deeper meanings woven into their journey and learn to embrace each phase of life with intention.

2. You can’t choose your past, but you can shape your future.

We may not have control over the circumstances of our birth or the environment we were born into, but we do have the power to shape our future. The decisions we make today define us, and these choices ultimately reveal our character.

I want my children to understand that life is not defined by the hand they’re dealt but by how they choose to play it. Though the past is beyond their control, they hold the pen to their future. The choices they make today will impact their path tomorrow, and they have the ability to rewrite their story at any point in their lives.

3. Cultivate gratitude and seek guidance.

There will be many moments throughout life when my children feel uncertain or lost. In these times, I hope they will remember the importance of seeking guidance from others and cultivating a sense of gratitude. Having a daily practice of gratitude allows us to appreciate the many blessings we may overlook in our busy lives, both big and small.

Gratitude also helps shift the focus away from what’s missing or lacking, allowing them to see what they already have. By reflecting on the positive aspects of life, they can make clearer, more grounded decisions. Happiness and joy are not contingent on always getting what we want but on appreciating what we already have. Similarly, I encourage them to seek advice and counsel from others, learning from those who have navigated similar challenges.

4. Live generously and prioritize experiences over possessions.

In a world that often values material success, I want my children to understand that true fulfillment comes from giving, not acquiring. Life is about making a difference in the lives of others and creating meaningful experiences rather than accumulating possessions.

Generosity extends far beyond money—it involves giving our time, sharing our talents, and investing in relationships. Through these acts of generosity, we leave a legacy that outlasts material goods. Rather than focusing on what they can buy or own, I encourage them to focus on the richness of experiences and the joy of helping others.

5. Money and Possessions: Be a steward, not an owner.

Money is a tool, not a goal. In today’s consumer-driven world, it’s my hope for my children to understand that wealth and possessions are fleeting, and our true value lies not in what we own but in how we manage the resources we are entrusted with.

The key to financial well-being is not simply accumulating wealth but using it wisely. I want my children to recognize that they cannot take possessions with them when they leave this world, but they can use their resources to create a lasting impact. This means being mindful of spending, saving for the future, avoiding unnecessary debt, and setting long-term financial goals that align with their values. By focusing on wise stewardship, they will set themselves up for financial stability and make decisions that reflect their deeper priorities.

 

These five principles serve as a foundation for a life well-lived. They are timeless truths that not only guide us through our personal journeys but also help us navigate the complexities of a fast-paced, materialistic world. By passing these lessons on to my children, I hope to equip them with the tools to live lives that are not only purposeful and meaningful but also grounded in values that will stand the test of time.

As they embark on their unique paths, I will be there to remind them of these guiding principles, knowing that the choices they make today will shape the legacies they create tomorrow.

Here are three questions for you to ponder as you consider the role these principles play in your own life:  

1. Which of the five principles do you think is the most challenging to apply in daily life, and why?
2. How do you balance the importance of living in the present with planning for the future, especially when facing unexpected challenges or uncertainty?
3. In what ways have you seen generosity—whether through time, talents, or resources—create lasting impact in your own life or in the lives of others?

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