What keeps you going?

[Waterfalls99]

Long time lurker but first time poster...
I’m just interested in finding out what keeps people going.

For me life is pretty futile but I’m interested to learn if I’m missing something worthwhile. I’m 27, in a decent career, single, with my own flat but i don’t think I’m ‘living life.’ If I’m not getting anything out of it (life), why should I persevere?

[RickOShay]

well you certainly won’t get much out of death.

[Waterfalls99]

Unless you believe reincarnation will enable you to press the reset button

[slippermaiden]

Do you have any hobbies? What about any holidays you would like to plan, or places you would like to visit? Do you have any religious leanings? Your post is a bit vague!

[magpiemischief]

Well you are ‘living’ life because you are alive.

When things are difficult or feel unfulfilling it is good to be mindful of the smallest of pleasures. From something nice to eat to a good book or a glorious view. Studying ancient archeological sites and contemplating our long history. Looking at ancient texts and folklore, thinking about the meaning.

Then doing things that give other people pleasure, helping.

[Eolian]

Do you enjoy your job? Do you have friends? Do you live in a place that you like? I don't believe there is any kind of 'higher purpose' in life. I'm a big believer in enjoying what you have, rather than wasting time hankering after what you don't have.
When I was single, I had a great time. I enjoyed my job and the company of my colleagues. I had a pretty busy social life. I'm now married with 2 children and enjoy other things. The things which make me happy are the beautiful countryside where I live, spending time with my husband and children, reading, knitting, learning a new language. Maybe you need to take up an exciting new hobby?

[cheapskatemum]

I find my life has become more fulfilling since I've started to "love others as myself". Ok, that's the second commandment for Christians, but I just try to help, if I see a need. It's led me to meet some really interesting people, learn some useful life skills and generally feel so much better about myself. One thing I can honestly say is that although I started out thinking I was doing it for the good of others, in the process I have really helped myself.

[KiaraS]

For me, living life is taking the rough with the smooth but trying to make decisions that make the smooth outweigh the rough. Rough will always happen - that's life. But smooth for me is happiness - a night with friends, curling up watching whatever I like, enjoying work, being proud of my home etc. Happiness isn't always married, kids, house. It might well be but I was very very happy before marriage and children. Sing? Dance? Play sport? Be part of a team in something will go a long way to assist with fulfilment. Good luck and don't give up! The world is yours. For the taking xxx

[SerialChangerOfName]

^^fucking autocorrect. Mouth turned WHITE

[SerialChangerOfName]

And OMG wrong thread. So sorry

[grasspigeons]

I quite enjoy sleeping. This sounds bonkers - but it's like the day time bit is just getting fuel and shelter so I can be safe, warm and well fed to sleep. (I like the wake bits too with my children etc, I don't mean that to sound bleak)

[Whywonttheyletmeusemyusername]

There's a difference between living life and just existing. You can be alive, but not actually living your life.

[magpiemischief]

There's a difference between living life and just existing. You can be alive, but not actually living your life.

I think this perspective can put unnecessary pressure on having to live up to some arbitrary standard.

Of course you are living if you are existing. We are living creatures not inorganic substances!

Life does not have to conform to any standard people put upon it. It is up to us to just to experience it and respond to it, as it comes.

[magpiemischief]

When you wake up every day and you wish you hadn't that is an existence and not a life.

Life is no less just because bad things happen. You are alive whether you feel bad or not.

If you feel that bad get help. Sounds like clinical depression to me. There are a variety of treatments that could improve the quality of your life experience.

[magpiemischief]

Is there a reason you cannot go for a walk?

[magpiemischief]

Can you go for a walk with someone looking after you?

[magpiemischief]

So are you being held somewhere? Surely you are allowed outside?

Is it exercise you want? Can you do this inside?

Exploration? You could read or watch travel logs.

[magpiemischief]

You have autonomy of your mind. You can think about anything you want.

You can talk in riddles, if you want or you can say why it is you cannot go out. People might be able to help or they might not.

I have had lengthy periods where I could not go out myself or walk very well, without pain, due to injury. I just opened the windows wide and found the most absorbing activities I could, as a distraction.