Life With No Purpose

[rareboy]

You have totally missed the point if you think that the meaning of life is only found in a career.

I know many people who found their real vocation and even professional career through volunteer work.

Roll up your sleeves and get going.

 

[TheLoveableLoner]

You have totally missed the point if you think that the meaning of life is only found in a career.

I know many people who found their real vocation and even professional career through volunteer work.

Roll up your sleeves and get going.

I did volunteer work with New York Cares back in 2010 because I had the same feelings I do now about lack of purpose. Pretty sure I even wrote a thread about it. I like helping others, but I can't say it gave me purpose. Felt like I was biding time.

 

[dpnice]

Life needs no purpose just fulfilment and it doesn’t matter how you achieve this.

Your job, your social life, your hobbies, your home should all make you happy with life. To be happy takes little effort, you just have to be at peace with yourself and do the things that you like doing.

I am retired, have nothing to do all day, no longer travel, have no friends, speak to no one yet a walk in town, a good book or a glass of wine whilst I prepare dinner are sufficient to make life fulfilled.

 

[Zeno Lorea]

Life is what you make of it. Some people want to achieve something big. Others don't. Both are ok. No need to feel guilty about enjoying life. Judeochristian brainwashing has taught many of us that all joy is sin. It isn't.

 

[TheLoveableLoner]

Life is what you make of it. Some people want to achieve something big. Others don't. Both are ok. No need to feel guilty about enjoying life. Judeochristian brainwashing has taught many of us that all joy is sin. It isn't.

What I am feeling is most definitely not "joy"? I've entered probably one of the worst depressions I've ever felt. I just don't even have the drive to get up and leave the house anymore.

 

[dpnice]

What I am feeling is most definitely not "joy"? I've entered probably one of the worst depressions I've ever felt. I just don't even have the drive to get up and leave the house anymore.

in this case the lack of purpose in your life is not the problem. Something is definitely missing in your life but you are the only one who can change it. Start doing small things which bring you some sort of pleasure,even if it is just a walk in the park or going out for a coffee.

Talk to your friends before it is too late and you find yourself without any. Be honest.

 

[peeonme]

What I am feeling is most definitely not "joy"? I've entered probably one of the worst depressions I've ever felt. I just don't even have the drive to get up and leave the house anymore.

Please see your doctor. Just let him/her know what's going on. You might need some type of medication and perhaps therapy.

 

[pat grimshaw]

Kallipolis used to advise that "A purposeful life is where you find it".

And these two fellows offer similar advice in the lyrics to their song "Love is where you find it".

 

[peeonme]

Kallipolis used to advise that "A purposeful life is where you find it".

And these two fellows offer similar advice in the lyrics to their song "Love is where you find it".

Sometimes a platitude just doesn't cut it when it comes to a chemically induced illness.

 

[pat grimshaw]

Sometimes a platitude just doesn't cut it when it comes to a chemically induced illness.

What do you mean? Too many drugs?


P.S. Though I agree that a lot of Kallipolis' advice did sound like platitudes.

 

[peeonme]

What do you mean? Too many drugs?


.

https://psychcentral.com/news/2006/11/09/depressions-chemical-imbalance-explained/398.html

For over three decades, scientists have attributed a chemical imbalance in the brain as the source of major depression. Now, a new study provides an explanation of how this “chemical imbalance” occurs.

The above is what I was referring to.

 

[pat grimshaw]

^ 'three decades'

 

[pat grimshaw]

Get yourself some jesus?

Jesus won't help much.

But President Kamala will soon be bringing happiness to every man and woman across the nation!

And she'll be assisted by Vice-President Cory!

 

[TheLoveableLoner]

I found my way back to this thread because similar issues have rebounded with me.

And what's funny is that throughout this thread I mentioned small pleasures I take day to day; museums, art galleries, random exploration, etc. These are things folks in this thread said could be my “purpose,” but I've seen them as nothing more than distractions.

Well I've since lost desire for even these things. I don't explore. I rarely use my camera. I barely want to leave the house when I'm not working. I'm kinda over my job. It's just me here biding time, living life because someone birthed me. Basically waiting for the day my life is taken.

 

[Essex Boy]

So what did you get up to in Mexico City?

 

[TheLoveableLoner]

So what did you get up to in Mexico City?

Mexico City was a dream of a trip.

It's crazy that the second I returned home, I slowly became meh about everything.

 

[rareboy]

I found my way back to this thread because similar issues have rebounded with me.

And what's funny is that throughout this thread I mentioned small pleasures I take day to day; museums, art galleries, random exploration, etc. These are things folks in this thread said could be my “purpose,” but I've seen them as nothing more than distractions.

Well I've since lost desire for even these things. I don't explore. I rarely use my camera. I barely want to leave the house when I'm not working. I'm kinda over my job. It's just me here biding time, living life because someone birthed me. Basically waiting for the day my life is taken.

This sounds like clinical depression.

Talk to a professional.

 

[The Loner]

My very first post on this board has to be about ten years ago. And since that time, nothing has changed. I cannot find any purpose in life. I do not know what I wish to do with my life. I feel directionless and terrified as I cannot maintain the work that I currently do forever.

Can anyone else relate to being here without purpose?

I feel the exact same way.

 

[rareboy]

Let me expand.

I think millions of people are experiencing similar feelings. Including me and my partner.

The things we loved and were passionate about even 5 years ago no longer are as stimulating or important to us, including long distance travel, theatre, musical performances, reading for pleasure, dining out, etc. etc.

But we are ageing and with some health issues...so in some respects it seems normal.

But a lot of it was a result of the COVID isolation and falling out of touch.

This year, we have made it a point to organize dinners with friends at our place, to organize tree planting days and to do new things, like installing beehives on the farm.

Because, yes, otherwise, we are just sitting around waiting for God.

I am lucky because I can talk about this with a partner. If you don't have that luxury, then a life counsellor or professional therapist might be helpful.

 

[rareboy]

Not to diminish the existential anguish that too many are feeling...