Building meaning and happiness in life

[Feswff]

What do you do (outside of work) that builds meaning and genuine happiness into your life. Like it gives you a sense of purpose/joy?

Or does your job do that?

Definitely not my job sadly, although I do try. But my garden and my immediate family bring me a lot of happiness. This year I decided we needed to do more with the children as they're getting older and I realise I'm going to blink and they'll all have left home. So I've been planning stuff rather than just expecting it to happen. It's meant more quality time with all of them which I've really enjoyed.

Powerlifting

I'm asking for my mid 20s DS. He likes his job and his industry. He lives with us and works in London. He wants more than to just meet his uni friends for food. He wants to "do something", to find genuine meaning.

I think he's having a bit of a existential crisis.

Volunteering and a sports team - both add value to my life and give me something for me (outside of dh, work, kids, friends).

DS is going to start boxing soon.

Gardening, walking, cycling, birdwatching, model making, crafts, driving, DIY. Being an observer for our local group of Advanced motorists (voluntary), being a Special Constable (voluntary), helping to run our village library (got it re-opened as voluntary run after county council closed it). Season ticket holder for our town's L2 football team.

Church
volunteering
my job (farmer)

Gardening and growing things might be a good choice for him

It connects you to nature in a very literal sense.

Would an allotment be a possibility?

Volunteering and running

Volunteering can be really beneficial. It is doing something worthwhile with your time and spending time with a good mix of people who you might not otherwise meet.

I'd let him find his own way through it. Surely it's part of growing up, working out what brings meaning and purpose to your life, something for him to figure out rather than having parents suggesting hobbies. There's nothing wrong with a bit of existential crisis for a young man! He'll find his way

Yes we have a place that does that not too far from home.

I think after leaving university (which has societies that are geared for the community feeling) he's been trying to find his purpose in life.

Pre children I was a member of Goodgym, they do runs and volunteering combined, might be good?

tell me more please! Just started weights myself and love it

DS told me and DH that for a few weeks he's been having existential dread about "what's the point of life".

He's been having a bit of anxiety and to calm himself he watches the cricket and hangs out with friends.

I also think if he does any sort of sport he is passionate about volunteering or helping at a kids club could be great.

Very honestly my greatest feeling of this has come from meeting my husband and having children...! Maybe he needs to settle down!

Sounds a normal part of young adulthood to me. I think we've come to panic and try and fix natural existential crises that people have been having since time began.

@babasacloverits the best thing ever! If you go to health>the weights room there’s a powerlifting thread 💪 (if it’s not in there it’s under exercise)

Daily walks with friends , lots of reading!
i want to start weightlifting again we are all ND and I carry a heavy load so I’m trying to look after myself.

Has he done any travelling? Might be worth spending some time exploring, especially if his job isn’t a dedicated career, to give himself time and space to explore the world at large to see what piques his interest.

Travel for me. I lost my joy for work years ago (nhs) I work to expand my horizons and see something of the world. My daughter brings me joy as does seeing my best friend.BUT I’ve struggled with this feeling for years to be honest and I’m always trying new things to find what more I can do, and often question “the point” there seems to be to much you have to do that’s seems joyless to get small snippets of joy it sometimes feels fruitless. I have a nice life I really do, and I’m thankful for that but yeah I totally get him!

DS does want to travel more and he wants to start with the continent.

Gratitude for little things everyday, living in the now.
The School Of Life has lots of vids on the finding meaning in life on YouTube and books too.
Example:www.amazon.co.uk/Meaning-Life-School/dp/0995753547