The Relationship Between Meaning and Wellness:

The Noble Pursuit of Fulfillment

Caterina Spinaris, PhD, LPC

Wellness is not just about physical health, the absence of disease, or being free from psychological disorders. True wellness exists along multiple dimensions—emotional, mental, social, and spiritual, to name a few—and includes having a sense of purpose and deriving positive meaning from daily actions that reflect healthy, deeply held values. In this broader sense, wellness is not just about surviving. It’s about thriving. It’s about finding energy and joy in being alive. In short, it’s about “living the dream,” even in environments that are difficult, demanding, or draining.

The ultimate reward of living with positive meaning and purpose is a sense of fulfillment—a deep, internal feeling of being satisfied, content, blessed, and, for lack of a better word, spiritually “rich.” Fulfillment does not require perfect performance, titles, awards, or external validation. Rather, it grows from an internal sense of alignment—when our values, choices, conscience, conduct, and sense of mission are all in sync.

This sense of positive meaning and purpose is the emotional and psychological fuel that keeps us going. It gives life flavor and vitality. It helps us rise each morning with a sense of purpose—even when the task ahead feels routine, tough, or unglamorous. Meaning doesn’t have to be linked to grand missions or monumental achievements. Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts—small kindnesses, a moment of restraint, a word of encouragement, or a courageous decision—that sustain us and keep us grounded. Meaning shapes how we spend our time, which goals we pursue, how we treat others, and how we make sense of hardship. Because of this, meaning plays a central role not only in the quality of our lives, but also in our physical and mental health.

The way we invest our time and energy, and the values that guide our decisions, shape not just our well-being but our long-term legacy.

The Search for Meaning in Jail-Based Work

For many reasons (and you could probably name a few!), working in a jail environment can challenge staff’s ability to find and hold onto positive meaning. This is especially true for those in detention officer roles, where a “good day” is often defined by its lack of disasters: “We all made it home in one piece, and in roughly the same shape we arrived.” In such settings, where much of the job centers on preventing bad things from happening, it can be difficult to celebrate success—because success often looks like nothing happened.

That’s what makes the pursuit of meaning in this profession not only important, but truly noble. Creating and sustaining positive meaning in detention work—especially over years or decades—is a heroic act. It requires intentional effort, resilience, and the ability to “see with fresh eyes.” It often means searching for small victories in a context that is high stress, emotionally charged, and, at times, chaotic. But, like gold nuggets in a riverbed, those victories are there, waiting to be found.

The Power of Perspective

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching many detention professionals not only survive, but flourish. These individuals learn to infuse even the most routine or seemingly menial tasks with personal significance. They find satisfaction in being consistently humane, fair, and respectful—even when no one is watching. They learn not to take themselves too seriously, not to get too caught up in image or power, and not to waste energy worrying about the opinions of others. Instead, they focus on doing their job well, one moment at a time.

What’s their secret? They choose to focus on what they can control: their attitude, their integrity, their conduct, and the meaning they choose to assign to their work.

Practical Strategies to Cultivate Meaning in the Workplace

If you’re looking to create more meaning in your work—or reignite a fading sense of professional purpose—here are some strategies to try. Practiced consistently, these approaches can actually rewire your brain from a negative, cynical bias to one that is more optimistic and resilient:

  • Train your mind to see the positive, even in difficult moments. This doesn’t mean denying reality—it means also noticing the blessings, lessons, or small wins hidden in tough circumstances. It can be as simple as asking yourself, “What went well today?”
  • Practice daily gratitude. Every morning and night, identify three things about your work or workplace you’re thankful for. Write them down in a journal. Let these reflections serve as bookends to your day.
  • Track your personal growth. Ask yourself: “How have I developed as a person because of the challenges I’ve faced at work—not despite them, but because of them?”
  • Treat mistakes as teachers. Every error is a learning opportunity. Most wisdom is earned in the school of hard knocks—by failing and choosing to grow by learning from mistakes.
  • Notice the beauty in ordinary moments. A shift without major incidents, a calm interaction, or an expression of empathy can be meaningful if you’re paying attention.
  • Actively contribute to others’ well-being. A considerate word, a show of respect, or a few minutes of mentoring can have ripple effects far beyond what you see.
  • Choose courage and civility. Take the high road, even in heated or unfair situations.
  • Celebrate progress. Acknowledge growth in your coworkers or detained individuals. Encouragement makes positive change more likely to continue.
  • Model your values. Every interaction is a chance to influence and teach.
  • Learn from those you respect. Observe how they handle stress and setbacks. Use their example as a guide.
  • Seek honest feedback. Trusted peers can help you see blind spots and grow stronger.
  • Share success stories. Positive narratives build morale and a sense of shared purpose.
  • Recognize your skill set. Jail professionals juggle multiple roles—protector, counselor, educator, mediator, spiritual advisor, and more. Acknowledging your versatility can foster pride.
  • Let go of grudges. Forgiveness, though difficult, promotes emotional well-being and peace of mind. It doesn’t mean condoning harm, but it does mean choosing not to carry bitterness.
  • Remember who you’re doing this for. Think of the loved ones your work provides for, supports, and ultimately protects.

When Meaning Feels Hard to Find

Naturally, there will be days when it feels nearly impossible to find positive meaning in your work. On those days, pause and remind yourself:

  • When you face your fears and stand your ground for what’s right, you’re courageous.
  • When you keep pursuing your values even when exhausted, you show grit and perseverance.
  • When you stay composed under pressure, you show maturity and wisdom.
  • When you support your coworkers or subordinates, you make the workplace safer and stronger.
  • When you mentor new staff, you help shape a healthier workplace culture.
  • When you find silver linings, you embody resilience.
  • When you choose integrity after being wronged, you show strength of character.
  • When you forgive, you protect your emotional and spiritual health, model maturity, and preserve your dignity.

Reflection Questions to Reconnect with Meaning

To go deeper into your personal search for meaning, reflect on these questions. You can journal your responses, talk them through with someone you trust, or use them as prompts during quiet moments:

  1. What do I want to accomplish in my life—both at home and at work?
  2. What overarching mood or attitude do I want to be known for?
  3. How do I want people to remember me?
  4. How can I make a positive impact on my family and coworkers?
  5. How might my daily choices ripple out to benefit my community—possibly for generations?
  6. How do I rebound from discouragement, disappointment, or perceived injustice?
  7. How can I continue to do the right thing when my good work goes unnoticed?
  8. What helps me feel re-energized when I’m worn down?
  9. How do I maintain my values when others fall short?
  10. How can I learn from failure and recommit to my highest standards?
  11. What can I pursue today that aligns with my most important values?
  12. At the end of my life and career, what would make me feel I lived well?

Anchoring Your Wellness in What Matters Most

Working in a jail environment is hard. The stress is chronic, the stakes are high, and appreciation is often in short supply. But within these challenges lies a profound opportunity: to find purpose, practice courage, and create lasting positive meaning.

When you stay focused on what truly matters, take time to reflect, and pour into others, you create a powerful and lasting sense of wellness—one built on purpose, dignity, and fulfillment. You really can live the dream—not by running from challenges, but by rising to meet them with courage, integrity, and heart.

You may not always receive a formal “thank you,” but every time you show up with integrity, with courage, and with wisdom, know this: you are doing work that matters.

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Caterina Spinaris, PhD, LPC, is a researcher, licensed professional counselor, author, and the founder and Executive Director of Desert Waters Correctional Outreach in Florence, Colorado. She can be contacted at caterina@desertwaters.com