What Gives Your Life Meaning?

[lighter]

I didn't have children till I was almost 40 yo. 

I didn't have them bc my life had no meaning.

When I had children... I did believe in God and that life continues.... on some level (probably several) after death.

What gives this life meaning though..... is knowing that my children will go on without me and I have to prepare them for that eventuality. 

::dropping to knees::

WHat have I done!?!?!

I thought they'd stay little forever...... and things would never change: (

Dear Beth,

Most people ask that question, get nervous, and have children instead of answering it, lol.

I personally don't feel that life has any meaning, since whatever we do or accomplish in life, results in death. To me thats a bummer and I have not yet seen any proof that there is life after death (not have any of you). I suppose I'm a nihilist at heart. But I do enjoy living and see it as a precious  gift. Interestingly, I have goals, I get worked up about environmental issues, cruelty to people and animals, and I care a lot about life. I think some of this is because life seems so short, and so precious to me, that I value it so highly.

Beth, surely you're outlook isn't as depressing as mine?

X Bella

[lighter]

I know, CB.....

I know: (

[gratitude28]

Bella,
I think sometimes it may be. It's funny you say that, because I do see my life is time capsules often. I am at this stage or that stage - but I always know the final outcome. Good thought. So... how do I get around it???? When we were in Japan and I got moody like this, I would go snorkeling and it would give me a fresh perspective. I need somehting like that here... I think that something is what I am searching for right now.
Love, Beth

[Overcomer]

I find that my life is such a treadmill that I do not have much time to step back and smell the roses.  I do know that in a blink of an eye your kids are grown and when you tell that to parents of small children they do not get it.  But when I see fussy little ones I am glad they are not mine.  But I heard being a grandma is a VERY cool thing!

[gratitude28]

I need some treadmill in my life - lol.

[Overcomer]

No you dont!  But then again you did move from over seas to here-that had to be awful!  Didnt you move to Virginia?  There is so much to do there.  Washington D C, the beach, lots more than Iowa!

[gratitude28]

Yes, there is tons to do here. The time I have to do it in is when I am alone. I like to do outings with the family. I think that's what it gets back to once again - what to do with my time alone.

[Overcomer]

I suppose you could read or take a yoga class.  Shop.  Decorate.  Hang out at the bar all day!   Joke there!  Garden.  Cross stitch.  Watch soap operas.  Get a dog or kitty.  Volunteer.  Get a job.  Lift weights. Swim.  Join a ladies group at church.  Join Arbonne under me so we both can make millions of dollars!

[Certain Hope]

Hi Beth,

Someplace recently, I think I read you say that you're not sure how long you'll be in your current location?

I know for me, that'd be enough to set me on edge and make me reluctant to get too involved with anything.

Thinking of ways to overcome that "unknown" factor... maybe some sort of shorter-term commitment? Volunteer work perhaps?
I love to be around older folks, and around here, they're the only ones working the community sharing/thrift shop/food distribution for the needy places. I've considered getting involved with that, but been so busy here putting my own home into order... just now finally got our roof fixed after months of waiting.

Oh, also... maybe even an online class, which would be something you could take along with you, even if there's another move in the near future? Might be good to have something like that in the works, that's not dependent on location.

Love,
Carolyn

[gratitude28]

Yes, Carolyn, I think that might be a large part of it - not knowing if we are staying.

At any rate, we did plan a "Get to know the Neighbors" party for Sat - so I need to plan and clean. Time to get to work - lol. That should occupy me for a few days.

[pennyplant]

Beth, you could paint.

Art is what gets my blood going.  So, I guess that's why I remember that you paint.

Pennyplant

[Poppy Seed]

I think what gives life meaning is a balance of many of things mentioned -- family, activity, religion, self-expression.  But I find my most fulfilling moments in service to others. The lifting of someones spirits.  The "paying it forward" stuff , big or small,  I think this is the place where it all comes together for me.  Building myself is rewarding....but building someone else is what really fills me.

Poppy

[gratitude28]

Thank you Poppy, and I think you are very right. I need to get off my butt and start doing more... especially for others. Thank you.
Love, Beth

[lighter]

Hey Poppy ::waving::

So glad to see you there.....

I agree on this post, of yours.

I also see that it would make it easier for N's to get a hold of us and drive us into the ground.... like a beach donkey.

Axa... I never get tired of that one, lol. 

Glad to see you again Poppy.

Very busy time for me.... be taking a short break... see you soon.

 

I think what gives life meaning is a balance of many of things mentioned -- family, activity, religion, self-expression.  But I find my most fulfilling moments in service to others. The lifting of someones spirits.  The "paying it forward" stuff , big or small,  I think this is the place where it all comes together for me.  Building myself is rewarding....but building someone else is what really fills me.

Poppy

[Poppy Seed]

What?  I'm coming and now you're leaving?  What is up with that?  (smile smile, wink wink)

Good luck with your many todo's!

poppy