to ask what gives you reason to live?

[letsleepingbabieslie]

Subject line sounds more depressing than it's supposed to - I'm not suicidal, just often wonder 'what the hell is the point of all this [life]?!'. I admit I'm not exactly the most happy go lucky person - if I was constantly laughing my socks off I guess I wouldn't question it. But even though I'm basically happy and very fortunate (no complaints about health, family, work etc) I do struggle to find a logical reason to live.

So I'm wondering, what do other people find gives meaning to life and makes it all worthwhile?

My dogs give me purpose and I have to walk them, then I meet people and chat to them

Politeness. I don't want to leave other people to suffer after I'm gone.

My child

Honestly, my children. I had two missed miscarriages in 2017 and I was severely depressed afterwards, I was suicidal. The only reason I didn’t commit suicide is because I already had three children and they needed me. If they weren’t around I don’t know if I would be here right now. Sounds dark as hell but true.

Horses. They're not a bad reason either, though they can be ungrateful little sods. Huge amounts of fun on a good day though - I'm fairly sure one of mine may have broken the sound barrier out hacking this morning!

Kids. This is all.

I don't need a reason. I just enjoy it.

I do suffer hard, with suicidal thoughts and intentions.

I have custody of two wonderful kids with needs, one would manage with her dad, she lived with him before. The other would not, she effectively has no dad. My parents would take them in but I'm the best advocate they have, and no one loves them like I do. We now have our happily ever after as well, so that keeps me going. But I don't get the point of life on the whole.

Everything. I bloody love life

I was going to type a long list and then I realised that I was sounding more and more like Julie Andrews in the sound of music (the original version)

Work and family

Last season of Game of Thrones. Not sure what I'll look forward to once that is finished.

My daughter and my cat. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't bother. Really wish I could just love life and living.

Survival instinct and my kids now.

Looking forward to things, even simple things like dh bringing me my morning coffee in bed. I’m not happy go lucky either but I’m content at the moment and that’s enough for me.

My kids.
I’ve been in a very dark place, where I was fully prepared and had even organised childcare so I could go out to kill myself. I got in my car, drove to the busiest cross-road in my town and sat at the junction waiting for my opportune moment to pull out into oncoming, 60mph traffic...then I suddenly, out of nowhere, thought “I wonder if J has given the kids their snack” - and that made me realise I didn’t actually want to die and leave them without a mother.
I’ve undergone psychiatric treatment since then, and I am better than I’ve ever been. My children literally saved my life. They are my reason.

Just my children. I wouldn't be here otherwise.

There's so many things. .... big and small

The sky was pink and purple stripes in my way home today.

I'm looking forward to a big trip we have planned next summer.

I love challenging myself.

Chocolate

I also enjoy life and don't need reason to live

There is no point, it’s purposeless.
We exist to praise God.
Each life contributes something unique which the universe wants or needs.
Our existence supports the lives of others.
The amount of matter in the universe is consistent. We are random formings and dissipations of the same matter.
We are here. We have this opportunity. Enjoy it. Have the best time you can.

Take your pick, or suggest your own.

Love - giving and receiving.
Being needed. Being appreciated (when it happens)
Having fun and laughing (especially with those we love)
Being able to get pleasure from things around us - the people, a view, music, something on tv. A good book.

Lots really. I'm quite a positive person

Cat, and most animals in general. My wonderful supportive DP. Pizza. Netflix.

To see what happens at the end

Very complex for me.
But generally my family and the satisfaction that I have "made it" despite the odds!

The hope one day life will get easier although I am not sure it will
Distant but good family and friends
That giving up isn't an option