1. Love

Of all the things to dedicate your life to, love is my absolute favorite choice. This is personally what I have chosen to commit my life to because it’s universal and, well, I think it chose me. When you hear the word "love," what comes to mind? There’s relational love like we see in the movies, the love of animals and humanity, and that profound love that can’t be explained. If you dedicate your life to love, be prepared to do a ton of inner work and focus on practicing self-love along the way.

2. Faith

Faith is a beautiful thing to dedicate your life to, especially if it is rooted in true love. There are many branches of religious faiths to explore. If you weren’t raised in a particular tradition, you can always go on a journey to discover the path that resonates with you. One of my favorite movies that shows this process is the French film God Is Great and I Am Not, starring Audrey Tautou. If you dedicate your life to faith, be prepared to make decisions that may seem irrational to others, because walking by faith requires a different kind of vision.

3. Children

Children are our future, making them a logical and rewarding focus for your life's work. You can find many ways in our society to do this. If you have great patience, you could consider becoming a teacher. If you really want to do something out of the ordinary, you could become a social worker and dedicate your life to children in need of stable homes. I'm sure we all can think of one adult who impacted our lives in a positive way. Wouldn't it be incredible to do the same for a child?

4. The Homeless

I live in Los Angeles, CA, where there is a visible and pressing homeless crisis. It's heart-wrenching. The history of this issue is complex, often linked to the lack of funding for mental health services that began decades ago. You may not live near Skid Row, but most cities face similar challenges. If you find yourself always stopping to help with food or resources, consider looking into organizations like the National Alliance to End Homelessness to see how you can make a systemic impact. This is a group of people who could definitely use more assistance and compassion.

5. Equality

Do you have a dream to see all people live in equality? This means having a heart for justice and seeing everyone treated as equals. It’s an amazing cause to dedicate your life to because it encompasses so many other issues, from children’s rights to ending homelessness. Can you think of a group in our society today that isn't treated with equality? Organizations like Amnesty International are great places to start your journey in fighting for others.

6. Art

Does art imitate life, or does life imitate art? It’s a question that has sparked debate for centuries. We all have a creative side, whether we’ve fully discovered it or not. If you love and appreciate art, you might consider dedicating your life to it. You could write books to touch future generations or create music to help people through life's ups and downs. There are so many branches of art to explore, from visual media to sparking your creativity through writing.

7. Science

I don't think you have to choose between faith and science; it’s possible to have an interest in both. But if you prefer data-driven discovery, science is a branch of belief that you can dedicate your life to. Science is an incredible tool that helps us discover the unknown and is definitely something that can fuel a lifetime of curiosity.

Can you think of other things to dedicate your life to? Do you think it's a good thing to pick something greater than ourselves to focus on? I'd love to hear your thoughts and what causes drive you.