What Life Means To Me

A poem about what life means to me from the poet. Each of us has a different meaning of what life means. Reflect on the verses of this poetry and answer the question of what life means to you!

Nicky Gumbel describes what life means to him, "Life is so short. Grudges are a waste of time. Laugh when you can, apologise when you should, and trust God with what you cannot change." We think this is a great description. And Angela Schwindt said, "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." How true that is!

Life is not measured only by the years we live, but by the moments we cherish, the people we love, and the lessons we learn along the way. These thoughtful verses offer different perspectives on life's meaning and purpose. If you enjoy reflecting on life's journey, visit our collection of Poems About Life for even more inspiration.

Be inspired by this collection of poems about what life means!

But what life is to me most of all, is the love I feel each day.

Updated June 17, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Life To Me

Poet: Julie Hebert, ©2015

Life to me is all that I see,
Each and every day.
It's the family I love, the people I speak of,
It's a smile I receive on my way.

Life to me is all that I hear,
Each and every day.
It's the birds in the tree, singing to me,
It's the sounds of waves crashing on the bay.

Life to me is all that I touch,
Each and every day.
It's the warmth of my cup, the soft little pup,
It's the kiss that makes me sway.

Life to me is all that I taste,
Each and every day.
It's the love of dessert, my fruity water squirt,
It's my favourite food at the buffet.

But what life is to me is most of all,
Is the love I feel each day.
Without family and friends to share in life's frenz,
Life would be so grey.

Life Is A...

by Mother Teresa

Life is a beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is a wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is a mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, brace it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is life, save it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is meant to be a vibrant, deeply felt, growing mosaic of long, meaningful moments. Brendon Burchard

For more wisdom and thoughtful reflections on living well, browse our collection of Life Quotes that encourage us to appreciate each day.

Painter Of Life

by Wilferd Peterson

You hold in your hand the camel's hair brush of a painter of life.
You stand before the vast white canvas of Time.
The paints are your thoughts, emotions and acts.

You select the colors of your thoughts;
Drab or bright, weak or strong, good or bad.

You select the colors of your emotions,
Discordant or harmonious, harsh or quiet, weak or strong.

You select the colours of your acts;
Cold or warm, fearful or daring, small or big.

You select and mix the positive colors of heart, mind and spirit
Into the qualities of effective living; patience, determination,
Endurance, self-discipline, work, love, and faith.

Each moment of your life is a brush stroke
In the painting of your growing career.

The art of achievement is the art of making life -
Your life - a masterpiece.

Life Is A Gift

Poet: Edgar A. Guest

Life is a gift to be used every day,
Not to be smothered and hidden away;
It isn't a thing to be stored in the chest
Where you gather your keepsakes and treasure your best;
It isn't a joy to be sipped now and then
And promptly put back in a dark place again.

Life is a gift that the humblest may boast of
And one that the humblest may well make the most of.
Get out and live it each hour of the day,
Wear it and use it as much as you may;
Don't keep it in niches and corners and grooves,
You'll find that in service its beauty improves.

Key Reflections In These Poems

  • Life becomes richer when we focus on people rather than possessions.
  • The small moments of each day often become our most treasured memories.
  • Love, kindness, and gratitude give life lasting meaning.
  • Every day offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive difference.
  • Life is not about having everything; it is about appreciating what we have.
  • When we live with purpose and faith, life takes on deeper meaning.

Conclusion

The meaning of life is different for each person, yet many of these poems point to the same truths: love, kindness, gratitude, faith, and making the most of each day. As you reflect on these verses, consider what life means to you. Perhaps it is found in family, friendships, helping others, or appreciating life's simple blessings. Whatever your answer may be, may these poems encourage you to live fully, love deeply, and treasure the gift of each new day.