Someone recently asked me to explain “karma.” My tongue was slightly in my cheek when I replied, “It’s a way of explaining things we can’t explain.”

So let’s go with “karma” to explain a handful of things that have happened over the last few days that are unrelated but seem to fit together.

in conversation with a friend who admitted to being very discouraged adding, “I always feel better after getting your view on things.” I explained that contrary to appearances, I am not an eternal optimist. I am, however, a huge believer in our potential as human beings.

Shortly after that conversation, I read a post by Seth Godin. He noted some random things that probably happened today–huge and tiny–and observed, “On this date, someone took a chance, connected, opened a door or showed up with generosity.”

Next came my weekly newsletter from Child Mind Institute, an organization dedicated to “transforming children’s mental health.” Here’s where the big words come in. The article explained, “Behavioral Activation,” a method used to combat depression. A less clinical explanation of “B.A.” might describe helping kids figure out what they value, then stimulating them to action–doing something related to what they value.

I can over-simplify despite my tendency to be an overthinker. Those are not in opposition–a topic for future consideration.

When we feel discouraged, it might be time to think about what’s truly important to us. Our values should drive our mission–not a particularly big word, but one about which there is much confusion. Since we’re simplifying, we can substitute what’s on our bucket list or any other way of describing our essential values.

Not too long ago, I spoke with a recent high school graduate who shared that she was working to save up enough money for a huge eighteenth birthday-celebration. Some would argue that’s not a mission; it’s a goal. But it focuses on what she values, and that’s what matters. Arguing about the label misses the point. (I managed not to ask about her college plans. That might come after the party. Whether we call it a “mission” or a “goal, it’s hers and she owns it.)

She was quite confident she could achieve her celebration. She seems to have a grasp on her potential. She’s discovering how to connect the dots. I didn’t point out that researching where to have her celebration qualifies as “behavioral activation.”

Of course, it takes more than confidence to achieve a result. Maybe. There’s a wonderful story about a child, crayons in hand, drawing quite intensely. The teacher asks what he’s drawing, and he replies, “A picture of God.” She says, “But no one knows what God looks like…” Without hesitation, he declares, “They will when I get finished.”

He was on a mission.

Missions provide meaning. If you feel discouraged, you may have lost the meaning. It’s the first dot. What you can and are willing to do might be the next one. Get started creating and connecting the dots. It might be just that simple.