to think that I may just have cracked the meaning of life?

[working9while5]

And it's not 42?

It's this. If you are tipping along in life and not currently experiencing trauma(bereavement, illness etc), you should do your damnedest just to enjoy and value every second you have?

I know it's been said and thought before. A number of cliches spring to mind - "don't sweat the small stuff", "get busy living or get busy dying" etc.

Yet, for the first time in my 32 years, I think I might actually get it. Really, time ticks on, opportunities diminish, chores and obligations multiply and you, too, will get old. If you are in the lucky position to be able to choose what to do with your time to any extent, you need to use it to enrich your life. You can do something that others might consider fairly miserable if that's what floats your boat (oh, I don't know, campaign against injustices that require you to know about lots of awful things going on now in the world or, even more miserable, arse about on MN picking fights) but you'd bloody well better do something that creates some sort of memory as often as you can.

New Year's babble, yes? But there's something to it.

Is it unreasonable to think that the psychobabblers might have a point? Is this my Road to Damascus moment?

Bugger, I was relying on it being 42.

I am 42 in 4 weeks, so that just buggered my dreams of waking up and all my worries being wafted away... lol!!

Maybe in 9/10 years time, I'll look back and say: "nah, it's 42?". I bow at the altar of your experience, ladies.

I am currently experiencing bereavement and trauma and I still think it's a good idea to be grateful for what I have (my dd, dh, the dog, and a fab collection of books... Mmm... books) and to appreciate every moment.

I would add though, that I think helping other people and love and compassion are also hugely improtant.

Me too, Charliesmommy! 5th Feb, you?

I did have a moment of epiphany a few years ago when I was feeling a bit ground down by demands of family, work, house. I just wondered which of them I'd like to give up. Suddenly felt better.

I still think it's 42 though.

YANBU
well put
and thanks