Finding meaning in life
How have you found meaning in life? What makes you happy? How do you get past the dread of just working all day every with no end in sight?
I’ve recently been thinking a lot about happiness and the meaning in life. Had a tough breakup, just finished my first year of work so there have been a lot of (negative) changes in the office recently, and am generally finding myself dissatisfied/feeling like life has no meaning or purpose. It feels like work is just endless and moments of happiness are few and far between.
This past year I would look forward to vacations, but those pass and then you’re just back at the grind. I looked forward to my bonus, which ended up being disappointing. I look forward to the weekends and seeing friends and going out, but that’s just 1 (maybe 2) days out of the week where I have time to do what I want. I have another job to look forward to after banking, but have been thinking a lot recently that I may end up being just as unhappy. I’m not sure what to look forward to/what my goal in life is anymore.
Just wanted to hear other’s experiences about what purpose they have found in life and what keeps them going on a day-to-day basis.
I feel this. I'm also an AN2 in IB, and I feel like it's all so pointless on an almost daily basis. Growing up, going through school, college, etc. everything seemed so much more defined - there was a 'right' path to take, a clear next step, everything was a means to an end. Now that I'm a year out of college it feels like the time is flying by and every day is the same with no end in sight. During the week I just work and go to the gym. On the weekends I go out, get drunk, whatever, and then I start the whole week over again. Am I enjoying life overall? Yes, but it definitely doesn't feel like there is a purpose.
This is a great way of summarizing the feelings. I’m not doing anything more than existing, with no real goal in sight. But maybe that’s just what life is?
On a side note I read a comment on another thread on here that studies have shown people usually peak in happiness in college (when you’re with friends, have free time, are growing as a person) and in retirement, and often are unhappy after college when they enter the “real world” and are faced with the harsh reality we are facing now.
Oh Christ save me - I am feeling exactly what you are describing and I AM IN COLLEGE!
EDIT: Sorry about the font, not sure how to fix LOL
Hahaha that edit. Just ordered it and will give it a read.
Ecclesiastes
Modern people can't die romantically.
I can't speak on some big, existential meaning to life. But I think if you spend every day trying to become a better person (through the way you treat people and personal development—whether it be career, hobbies, fitness, etc), then you can find fulfillment.But also what the hell do I know, I'm only 22 lmao
Try to get used to time for yourself. Sounds a bit stupid in the beginning, but having time for yourself and actively using it to figure out WHO you want to be, and WHAT you want to do with your life is not so easy. You can do it while/after sports for example, or just a walk at a lake and be brutally honest with yourself. Write down what comes to mind and ask yourself, if your current path aligns with this. Growing up sucks but the freedom along with it, is a great gift.
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