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?

Because I'm here and I'm going to make the most of it!

I've had thoughts of suicide in the past due to untreated anxiety (now addressed) and I've realised that I just need to get on with life - it doesn't matter whether we achieve anything significant, we're here on this earth and we may as well see what we can do with our allocated time. It's very freeing not to analyse too much and just "do."

Being mid-40s has focused me as well..not sure how much time is left!

My bike

My children. But they're grown up. On New Year's Eve my DD accused me if being codependent and micromanaging and nagging her and treating her like a child.

She's going back to university in another country tomorrow, I won't see her for six months and I don't know how I'm going to survive.

I don't have friends I actually see, and don't know how to make new ones. I have crippling social anxiety so I can't do much on my own and have no one to do them with. I've been single more or less continuously for 17 years and don't see that ending.

So the only thing keeping me going is the thought of what it would do to my children if I killed myself, and I don't know how long that will mean more than the torture of getting from the start of yet another solitary day to the end.

Because despite the shit thrown at me over the years, I am still here and that pisses some people off. Like a Weeble, I just keep bouncing back up and slapping a smile on. Guaranteed to drive them nuts first.
And because nature never ceases to amaze me. It is awesome

My daughter. there have been times in my life, where I have looked and the only thing I have had going for me is her. I am so glad that, that time has passed and the life that I am able to provide her with has no semblance to what life was like then.

The promise that I made to myself, and her, when she was far too young to even understand what I was saying, was that life would not continue to go around in the same circle as it did for the previous generation. She will not grow up feeling unimportant and uncared for. She is loved, and whilst i feel like im fucking it up every single day, i tell her atleast once a day that i love her, give her atleast two hugs and spend time interested in her education and whatever she wants to talk about, whether thats friendships, school, slime, squishies, im all ears.

United spirit, earths natural beauty, the power of emotion, love, adventure, feelings... all of them, music, sun, food, holidays, Christmas, festivals, learning, passion, cooperation, family, animals, weather, science, wonder, philosophy, the very absurdity of existence.

When I'm not depressed, I feel like @JunkMail. i appreciate everything in nature and see the beauty in small things. I adore my dh, children, dad and brother and derive real strength from that. I love painting, making jewellery, woodwork, writing and studying.

I have had severe depression and anxiety since early childhood though and have now been diagnosed with CPTSD, so I have to accept that I'll always have those "peering into the abyss" stretches where everything feels like nothing and I just want to curl up and hibernate from the world. I sometimes feel miserable even when I'm not depressed, knowing that however happy I manage to make myself by focusing on positives and using healthy strategies, the tidal wave of shit is always waiting just around the corner to ruin it again.

My kids. x

A difficult question to answer and a difficult thread to read. Sad for those who are struggling to answer and envious of those that have an answer.
I've had bouts of suicidal thoughts for most of my life and all of the people who I didn't want to hurt by taking my life are no longer around. On Boxing Day I stood at the edge of the dual carriageway waiting for a lorry or coach to come along so I could throw myself in front of it. It never came.

I've no kids or family to live for. I struggle to find reasons in my life to keep going. I often resent my parents for having me, more so now that they are dead and I have to keep on going without them, carrying my grief. But carry on I do.

My children and the fact I don't like pain or drugs.

My children. The fact that they are so happy. If I did whichever way that would take all their happiness and spark, at least for a while. Dead or alive I could not be responsible for hurting them or affecting their future.

I'm sorry to hear you feel that way BeMoreKind . I hope you find some hope soon. x (((hugs))) (

My husband and daughter are everything to me.

My kids, my husband, travelling, my cat, my thatched cottage, my friends.

I don't have a reason. I juts also don't ever think it's a hassle to live.

It’s so sad some people on here wish they have never been born 😞 I have never felt like that. I would hate to think that my children would ever feel like that. There is something in life I enjoy everyday, a beautiful sunrise, my children. My son is 27 and still living at home and I feel I am so lucky to have him around. My beautiful daughter who is 13, she is funny and so clever, she needs guidance as she goes through her teenage years, my fantastic husband who is the kindest man I have ever met, my mum and Dad who would do anything for me, 2 crazy dogs that make me laugh every day. My horse that I try and ride every day, in the most beautiful settings, some people I work with. Friends, I have a handful of friends who are lovely, holidays, theatre, dining out with friends and family xx

@stevie69 Everything. I bloody love life 
Ahhh how lovely

My children and my wonderful boyfriend. Having met him after an abusive marriage I feel true joy, love and self worth.

My daughter ❤️

My family and husband as well, but my daughter far outranks them all

@ClaireElizabethBeauchampFraser your post was very interesting for me to read. I am in a very similar situation, bedridden, disabled etc yet my feelings are much like your family’s

I hope one day I get to a point where I can say I am happy enough with this life. It feels light years away right now though.

My husband. It’s as simple as that.

Currently trying for a baby, that's really the only reason, I want to start, and have a family of my own.

I don’t believe in any kind of afterlife so for me I guess life is just far more interesting than oblivion.

I’ve never felt the need for a “logical reason to live”, there are two options: life or death and I prefer the first so that’s enough reason for me.

Kids dh
I want to travel more and see the world
Friends
Nice food
The cat

The kindness of strangers.
You expect love ( & to love ) your family - but when complete strangers are so kind to you it makes you realise how wonderful the world really is.