What is the point of my life?

I bet there’s a dog sanctuary you could volunteer to walk dogs at. Or the Cinnamon trust where you walk dogs for people who can no longer do it themselves. Borrow my doggy sets you up with a local dog, too. I used to walk a dog whose family were at work. It was nice for me and for him.

As another poster said life doesn't just come to you. Taking a nap to pass the time is simply just going to pass time and probably mean you won't sleep as well overnight.

You need to create something and be proactive to fill that time in a way that feels fulfilling.

I don't know what appeals to you but some suggestions:

• volunteering. Most charities are crying out for extra help. Schools often would be delighted to have someone come and listen to children read etc. Pick something that you would enjoy.
• Exercise. Join a gym or take a class. Just go for a walk or run. You could join a walking group. Go swimming. Do yoga.
• Gardening. If you have a garden grow some flowers or vegetable. Get an allotment. Join a community gardening group.
• DIY. Decorate a room. Fix something that's broken in your house. Restyle a room.
• Crafts. Buy a craft kit and create something. Join a craft group such as a pottery class.
• Education. Take a qualification. Join a language group. Learn a new skill that interests you.

Some of these are solo activities. Some are in groups.

Get out there and do something that enhances your wellbeing.

There are lots of volunteering activities that don’t have to be regular - guides or scouts often take people who can’t make every week, Many clubs and societies need chairs and treasurers and advertising leads - pick a club that suits your interests. Music, bowls…. Nature related charities , town council run litter picks and town flowers all have ad hoc requests once you get on the mailing lists

and the only point to life is you have one. So make the most. Make sure you are basically fit and healthy - get outside, go Parkrun, join a running club or a cycling club.

remember that it can take a couple of years for the friendships you might like to develop - that’s just how it is. So stick with things. You will know when the time is right to invite someone or a group to a coffee meet up - don’t rush, don’t force , it will happen when you give it opportunity

There are ways you can inject more joy into your life but it takes a bit of energy and mental planning until this things become routine. Things like a solo cinema outing, exercise classes, making pickles, a good book, a trip to a museum might bring a lot to your day.

Can you explore new hobbies?
Crafts, clear up at a nature reserve, hiking, river walks, local history walks (or nearby towns/ cities), cooking classes, learn a new language, book club or bird watching?

I have a few friends in a similar position to the one you describe and they have joined walking groups which they really
enjoy.

Well, just today, you have made a post that I read with interest (and empathy - I am sorry you feel that way) and it really has made me think about what the point of anyone’s life is. I sometimes wonder what I have done with my life and whether it is good enough. What I am saying is you have had a direct impact on my life today. We are strangers to each other but you have impacted me. It’s not what you are asking, it’s not what is bothering you, but I thought I would tell you. I hope that doesn’t sound patronising, because I mean it genuinely

There is as much point to your life as there is to any other life. Your timid cat, my late dog, the CEO of Apple, the woman next door who has three children. All equally important/unimportant lives on the great scheme of things ... and all short. So, your life is as special as anybody elses. And it sounds like you're not hurting any other creatures, so you are one of the good ones.
Just do more of what you love whenever you can. And best wishes to you.

Focus on health first. Until you have dealt with what’s going on in your life personally, you will not be able to move forward. Do it for yourself and your children.

I am but I'm applying for administrative roles rather than customer service or warehouse jobs I'm experienced in, and getting nothing. I've been thinking about doing some short courses. I know how to make spreadsheets and stuff but it would be good to be able to say I have these qualifications in certain areas

How about a rescue Greyhound? Provided it was walked before and after work they love long snoozes. I dont generally advocate dogs for people working FT but ex-racers are often re-homed to working people, I understand. They can be very cuddly and affectionate and any dog opens up opportunities to walk and talk with other people. I hope it works out for you.

Are you job hunting @ThatFairy

Could you study?

I've been out of work for a while and it feels like the days all blurry into one long eternal now. I'm just really aware of how time passes and that it will always catch up to the present. I don't really do anything apart from clean my house and it's driving me crazy. My DC older teen and I don't really have anyone to talk to day to day.

Can you pick up more work to keep you occupied ? I'm really looking forward to working again I think it will make me feel sane

If I were you, I'd do whatever I could to make that dog a possibility. Can you get a rescue? A cat might be more affordable?

Go you have any hobbies or community social things you could get involved in? might help you feel more connected to others.

at the end of the day, what’s the point in any of our lives? Some of us have people who rely on us, but that’s usually of our own design. Essentially life is what you make it and we have to do things that we find meaningful. That’ll be different for everyone. But I know it’s hard to find the motivation for that when you’re feeling low.

someone suggested a trip for solo travellers. If you like travelling then that could be a great thing to do. There will be others there in the same boat and I’m sure you’d have things in common. Maybe a thought.

Do you work from home or in an isolated environment? If so, maybe you need to look for a job in which you are more connected to other people?

Getting a pet will certainly help! What about a cat instead of a dog?

Sign up to a local social group to go on day trips to places of interest, hikes, nights out together.

A solo trip with other solo travellers, abroad if you can save for it?

Solo dates to the coffee shop, museum and galleries, free clubs at the library and local church, cinema and bite to eat, day trip to the seaside to sit on the shore and look out on the horizon.

People think I'm a bit weird because I have no issue with going it alone. I have done it on many occasions. I am single and most of my friends and acquaintances are married or partnered. I also have no interest of being a part of a clique - I find conformity boring and unfulfilling.

Friendships, any relationship really, need to be attended to and taken some effort to maintain.

Big hugs x

I get that it feels a bit unmoored when there are no people or things relying on you.

That said, they are not what gives life meaning. Your life doesn’t need to have a point- you don’t have to be something, achieve something, or be a resource to other people. All those are good if that’s what you want, but they aren’t the point of life.

I felt massively adrift at various stages of my life, and got myself pot plants, fish and eventually a cat. They noticed when I was home, and appreciated me looking after them. I liked that.

I am also religious, so get comfort, challenge and purpose there.

But you don’t have to have purpose/point- you can just be. That’s ok. Personally I like ‘being’ better with a bar of chocolate and a good book! Do small things that are enjoyable- scented candles, baths, wine, crisps, puzzles, books… whatever you like. That’s enough.

On the other hand if you want to achieve something, volunteer or start some hobbies. But it’s for you- what you would enjoy.
You are enough, even if you don’t.

Have you thought of fostering a dog? Sometimes rescues will meet the cost.

Have look at the smaller rescues in your area or as someone has mentioned the cinnamon trust.

Lots of areas look for car drivers to help with getting people to hospital appointments and shopping.

Can you get a job win more hours perhaps? How old are you?

Join a gym with a spa and gym classes

Sending hugs @Springfeelings76

You are not alone and your life is unique. No-one will ever live this life but you. It’s a miracle, it really is.

Not in a woo woo way. But the fact that you made it onto planet earth - surviving lots of obstacles on the way, by the sound of things - and you’re still here…..that in itself is a miracle.

Life is short, we’re here such a short time. You’re a long time dead (and we’ll all die one day). So try and grab it by the horns if you can.

So many people don’t have kids. And for people who do…… their great grandkids will have forgotten them. We don’t need to procreate for proof of life, or to justify our existence. We are enough. (I also don’t have kids. I did want them, but it’s the hand that life dealt me.) And I’m also single too. My husband had an affair and left me. But once I got over the shock and trauma of it, I realised I can’t waste my life mourning that either.

It’s not too late to learn to relish life while we’re here. And don’t concern yourself with how others spend theirs. They’re them. You’re you. 💐