the meaning of life

ive been thinking a lot about this topic lately. i know, maybe its a big idea to tackle. but i'd hate to think that there is a really important thing to life that i am missing out on. the first thoughts always branch out religiously or spiritually, like is there a certain religion you need to be in order to be happy in the afterlife? and even more specific, are there any particular things that someone has to do with their physical body to be happy? or is happiness after life purely based on one's spiritual level of enlightenment.? is it more about simply being aware of your place in this universe and being content?
       then my thoughts branch off to more simple answers. (religion is scary to think about sometimes). such as the meaning of life is much more simple than complex religions and philosophies make it out to be. maybe our purpose is simply to enjoy the ride. be happy. experience. simply experience. love, hate, joy, sadness, guilt, helping others, helping yourself, feel the sun on your shoulders, taste the apple from the tree in your backyard, etc.
     but maybe thats TOO simple. could the meaning of life be so undemanding? idk.
i have come to the conclusion, presently that, like so many other things in life, the answer is neither extreme, but somewhere in between. in those gray areas.
     of course life is about enjoying the beautiful earth and everything in it. of course life is about experiencing the negative things too. you cant appreciate good without bad. of course life is also about spiritual growth and personal adventure. so the conclusion i have come to, is that this silly idea that we can somehow find the meaning of life, is just that, silly. there wouldnt be much of a point of this experience if we all knew exactly why we were here would there? it would be boring. i think the point of this life is to do the best we can without knowing the true meaning of it all. so, everyone. it comes down to yourself to find your own meaning in life. explore the world, and explore yourself. do what you know is right. make others happy and youll be happy too. then one of these days you will die. and i think that as long as you did your best this go around, whatever is after will be all the better for it. :)