What Gives Your Life Meaning?

[GWhizz]

I know that right now, the only reason I'm still here is my child, so it's really important to mention children for me. Because he gave me reason to change my mind and to work on choosing life and dealing with my issues. I have lots of other reasons now of course - as does almost every human.

But at the really really low points, nothing else seemed important. It's all about perspective for me. Now I have so many more coping skills than before. Just using mindfulness as a way of life and yoga for my own little get-away space, keeps me going everyday too.

Being a nurse is also a huge motivator as I see rewards everyday. And now I'm looking toward a future career in public health or counselling - it all gives purpose and meaning. As well as instilling hope in me and helping me to realise my potential worth.

 

[Recovery4Me]

@GWhizz ...I remember that season and am glad that you chose to embrace your life and your child.:hug::hug:

 

[GWhizz]

Thank you @Recovery4Me and for helping me through that dark time.

 

[greenleaf]

I was unable to have biological children too, possibly partly due to physical and emotional things from the trauma... hard to know for sure though.

A number of ecology-related classes and the current climate issues have shifted my thinking since I was 20 quite a lot though.

We're all related! Some closer than others, but we are related... I have broadened my 'family' -- though that is at a cognitive level. Emotionally I guess I am still working on loads of stuff related to having close relationships that should have been basic.

I also do community/environmental work that I hope will benefit current and future generations and get a great deal of positive feeling from that. I meet excellent people in these projects and that helps my healing too.

 

[holdenmonty]

For me my family is what gives my life meaning, but God gives my life meaning. It has taken a lot for God to get me to this point but I feel as though my purpose is to help others and be an advocate for mental illness and destroying the stereotype. I did see that June is PTSD awareness month

 

[ghotiff]

One thing that showed my meaning happened recently. I've just gone through a crap event and a colleague from work came over (at my request) to do a chore for me that I couldn't bring myself to do.

When leaving I commented on how grateful I was and she commented that I had done the same for her. It was only then I remembered that I had done my best to be supportive through her very messy, late miscarriage many years ago.

This makes moment reminded me of my life meaning ...to help, to be kind, and to be supportive. This moment reminded me that I do these things.

 

[Go Hungry]

The kid thing is strange. I recently went to a get-together with some of my old college friends, folks I hadn't seen in 20 years.. They all had kids, and I was just sitting there alone. That was kinda weird feeling. I mean, I didn't think it would matter to me. As far as I know, I'm not able to have kids either.. My ex-wife and I tried for 5 years and nothing ever happened. I don't see this as a bad thing, because I think I would be a horrible father... but it certainly did feel a little weird.

As for what gives my life meaning.. I'm not sure. Maybe the struggle. My life is largely just work and distraction.. I don't really do much of importance. But there is one thing that kinda gets me up in the morning... Curiousity. Sometimes I am just amazed at what our technology has been able to accomplish in the last 20 years, and I want to see where it goes from here, as it is accelerating every day. So... the future?

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

History does. I find a lot of enjoyment and happiness in it. Other then that...I need more in my life. I also need to feel useful and I don't feel like that these days. Haven't in years.

 

[Recovery4Me]

also need to feel useful and I don't feel like that these days. Haven't in years.

Honorable mention of how you helped me to feel comfortable when I was a new member with slow entry with your conversation thread. This was critical in allowing me to open up and being able to offer parts locked away that needed expression. I thank you.

I understand at times our life may appear not to have been useful however this is not always the actual truth. So I gently offer you a hug and many thanks for helping me with a quality life.:hug:

 

[Tinyflame]

I can't say I have an answer to this question. One is always put to use as a caregiver, but it does not feel 'useful' (to me). Something people don't realize is more often than not (especially when the care is daily & chronic) the people receiving the care adopt a sort of 'blinders on' expectation of care, a minimization of receiving it (I believe usually due to the emotional pain & fear of accepting their body's deterioration, or equating it to weakness), & often a 'radar' of 'who' can supply 'what'. But the emphasis is on receiving what they want or feel they need predominantly, the end to the means. The one helping to supply it is frequently quickly forgotten. It's hard to feel value, it feels more like an identity of a 'work unit' . Actually decreases one's feeling of any 'value' as a human being. Of course, not in all cases. But it's not equated to what people think, if anything it puts one in the front line of much abuse since many requiring care are angry, frustrated, resentful, cursing their 'fate' of aging as it were, a caregiver can quickly be lumped with that because in their minds if they didn't need the care they wouldn't need you, or they minimize the care they require. They don't think of doing that to their family members however, but sometimes do if the relationship is close.

 

[Recovery4Me]

the people receiving the care adopt a sort of 'blinders on' expectation of care, a minimization of receiving it (I believe usually due to the emotional pain

Sorry they do not see you and appreciate you.

Yesterday, I heard an facial recognition expert mention, that there is not a universal face/body language that conveys gratitude. Smiles, anger, disgust, surprise, fear, & contempt expressions appear the same in body language across all countries. *So maybe "part of the meaning of life" is to find our unique way of expressing gratitude despite the circumstance.

 

[Tinyflame]

Yes well it's ok @Recovery4Me I don't expect or need gratitude or thanks, I just try to overlook it, do the best job I can, & try to find at least one thing I can think of as positive about the person no matter how their behaviour & remember to focus on that. I personally enjoy the feeling (myself) of being grateful. But I have no meaning to my life or existence. It's scraping the barrel to try to convince myself of any, & feels disingenuous.