Life, What's The Point?

[Edric]

So I decided it would be a wonderful idea to stick my hand into this really pretty-looking fire and re watch a movie that has been the cause of my most recent attacks of depression.

After some mild thinking, I've discovered that my own life lacks adventure, a higher purpose, and romance.

Any kind of help or words for a depressed person? I really need it..

Edited October 7, 2014 by Edric

[Phantastic Mirage]

Lack of adventure can be gotten with a day trip outside of the home town! It did make me feel better and made me look forwards to the next outing. I live in Philly, so some trips that I did was take a bus to NYC and another to AC just to casino hop. It was cool. And then I spent what I won on the boardwalk.. so really I broke even on that trip Lol.

It's definitely a good way to renew yourself a bit.

[Edric]

That's great. My only problem with that is I live in a large stretch of suburbia and I'd have to walk at least thirty minutes in every direction to find anything other than houses.

Stouffville, it's nothing but houses and farms.

[Wrenn84]

So I decided it would be a wonderful idea to stick my hand into this really pretty-looking fire and re watch a movie that has been the cause of my most recent attacks of depression.

After some mild thinking, I've discovered that my own life lacks adventure, a higher purpose, and romance.

Any kind of help or words for a depressed person? I really need it..

Adventure, higher purpose and romance.....you my friend are born to T R A V E L

[Milky Marvin]

What was the movie?

Also, I would suggest going somewhere you have never been before and thrst yourself into a new experence. That always helps me out with the adventure stuff. Romance and a higher purpose, your on your own with that.

[Tayay]

Hey, Edric - The flaming head look really isn't in this season, so I don't recommend sticking your head in the fire, but it is a wonderful season to join a walking group to go admire the beautiful flaming fall colors that take the breath away and get some fresh air while meeting some new people - who knows what you might find there - adventure? romance? maybe even higher purpose? And perhaps instead of watching depressing movies, make some popcorn and have a comedy marathon - laughter does wonders for body, mind and soul! Even a great book while sitting in front of that pretty-looking fire - a book that inspires you and takes you to a happy place, might help. You are the only you there is and you are so, so important! Relax, love yourself and you'll find your place of peace, of joy, of meaning! Do not despair! You're not alone! :D

[Edric]

Strangely enough, and it's very embarassing for to admit this. The movie was Disney's Robin Hood.

This movie has always had a special place in my heart ever since I was a child and it's not a depressing movie. But I believe the depression comes from the unrealistic expectations it makes despite it being something in medieval England.

Travelling has always been exciting for me, so maybe I'll find my way into the closest forest I can fit into. With luck I'll find something exciting. As a child, this would be something magical and something that can never logically happen. At this point however, something more than insects and the occasional bird would make me smile a little.

Edited October 7, 2014 by Edric

[afflicted]

I think the point is to avoid thinking about it too much by entertaining ourselves with the many distractions that exist today. Even the destitute have ways to escape harsh realities of daily living. I met a homeless alcoholic while spending time at the hospital once and he was perhaps the most cheerful, humorous person I've ever met.. at least it seemed on the surface.

People put great effort into proposing answers to this question so to not have to ruminate over it, even if the answer is implausible. Many want to believe that there's a special significance to their own lives and the lives of their loved ones, something that is clearly beyond us. Personally, I think this is an illusion and we are bound by the physical realities of this universe. One could, however, find meaning in that because the of fact that we have evolved such an awareness that even allows us to ponder the question. Now that is a truly incredible thing, unmatched by the rest of the animal kingdom. But I think we often take this for granted and by doing so we desperately try to find value outside of ourselves, whether that be material things or through mysticism.

We want to be entertained while we live our relatively short lives on this planet. We want to experience pleasure and avoid pain, generally. But pain is unavoidable. We do our best to live with both. This is the best I can do to "answer" your question.

Edited October 7, 2014 by afflicted

[Edric]

To be quite honest, this "relatively short life" seems quite long to me. Despite my unathletic stature, I've contemplated upon being a police officer or joining the military cause it would be a quicker road to the ultimately inevitable end.

Avoidance is something I've done my entire life. It's the main reason why I watch movies or play games and it was the reason for me to skip most of my classes in highschool and my early years in college. My pride would stop me at times, that maybe might be able to face the problems head on and come out on top, but who am I kidding?

Society and the fact everyone lives in pursuit of numbers is set in stone. To wish to break free of it is to wish the complete destruction of life as we know it.

Edited October 8, 2014 by Edric

[Tayay]

Edric - Life is about our choices. We can choose to be happy - yes, it's a choice, or not to be. The reality is that it is just as easy to choose to be happy as to be unhappy. Stuff happens to everyone - it's how we react to it that makes the difference. To find purpose, look into your heart - what makes you vibrate, what do you want? What things are you grateful for? Focus on what you love about you, about your life and focus on what you want your life to be like - you can actually choose whatever you want - that's the secret.

[Edric]

Yet there are times where I feel powerless to do otherwise.

If it was as easy as a choice I would have made it immediately. But the truth is society binds us all through the use of economy and finances. As much as I would dream to be able to do something, should it not be realistic it will not come to be.

For example, no matter how much I would like to travel the world, it cannot be done without money. Which is something people do the same thing over and over for majority of their lives to obtain to do little more than pay the bills.

That's no way to live, at least it's not how I'd like to.

Edited October 8, 2014 by Edric

[afflicted]

To be quite honest, this "relatively short life" seems quite long to me. Despite my unathletic stature, I've contemplated upon being a police officer or joining the military cause it would be a quicker road to the ultimately inevitable end.

I have no reason to fear death, for I have nothing to live for.

Every time we hop in the car each day we risk a quicker road to the end (no pun intended). I don't think you have to join the police force or the military to achieve this.

If you could live for something, what would you live for? It's true if you want to travel you will be needing money. Where are destinations that you'd like to go? Are you willing to wait a bit and save up some money to do so? Yes, the reality that we will be paying bills (many will struggle to do so) our entire lives sucks. That's a product of the modern industrial world. We pay for the convenience somehow.

[Tayay]

Yet there are times where I feel powerless to do otherwise.

If it was as easy as a choice I would have made it immediately. But the truth is society binds us all through the use of economy and finances. As much as I would dream to be able to do something, should it not be realistic it will not come to be.

For example, no matter how much I would like to travel the world, it cannot be done without money. Which is something people do the same thing over and over for majority of their lives to obtain to do little more than pay the bills.

That's no way to live, at least it's not how I'd like to.

I know about the money thing and I get that. If you've thought about the military, why not join the red cross or perhaps some other humanitarian or environmental group that could allow you to travel and find a purpose while helping? Just an idea. Have you read or seen the film The Secret? It might inspire you! :)

[Phantastic Mirage]

That's great. My only problem with that is I live in a large stretch of suburbia and I'd have to walk at least thirty minutes in every direction to find anything other than houses.

Stouffville, it's nothing but houses and farms.

So I guess there isn't a stray bus route to anywhere, huh? What about a taxi to at least get into one of the larger city areas?

[Edric]

Every time we hop in the car each day we risk a quicker road to the end (no pun intended). I don't think you have to join the police force or the military to achieve this.

If you could live for something, what would you live for? It's true if you want to travel you will be needing money. Where are destinations that you'd like to go? Are you willing to wait a bit and save up some money to do so? Yes, the reality that we will be paying bills (many will struggle to do so) our entire lives sucks. That's a product of the modern industrial world. We pay for the convenience somehow.

Good thing I have my drivers license then. Also, it seems like if I want to travel, I don't have much of a choice in the matter.

I know about the money thing and I get that. If you've thought about the military, why not join the red cross or perhaps some other humanitarian or environmental group that could allow you to travel and find a purpose while helping? Just an idea. Have you read or seen the film The Secret? It might inspire you! :)

I'll have to take a look. There have been times where I've looked into several groups, but I don't think I would be a good match for most of them.

So I guess there isn't a stray bus route to anywhere, huh? What about a taxi to at least get into one of the larger city areas?

If I had $80 to spare on a whim..

What I wonder is if you get stuck inside your house a lot watching anime and playing video games? I know I do. That's going to make it a lot harder to find the things you want.

Guilty as charged, but yet I don't know what I should do.

Edited October 8, 2014 by Edric

[Edric]

Unfortunately the only kind of relationships I've ever been in are all long distance ones. Though I really don't know how hugs and cuddles can help with my situation.

Edited October 8, 2014 by Edric

[salparadise6132]

Hey there. I live near you. GO bus into Toronto and catch a band or a museum or something else.

[Edric]

Can't say that interests me much, but perhaps I could give it a try. I might learn a few things while I'm down there.

[Tayay]

Edric - what does interest you? What do you like? What are your hobbies, activities? Come on, friend - help us out here! :D

[RatBoy]

So I decided it would be a wonderful idea to stick my hand into this really pretty-looking fire and re watch a movie that has been the cause of my most recent attacks of depression.

After some mild thinking, I've discovered that my own life lacks adventure, a higher purpose, and romance.

Any kind of help or words for a depressed person? I really need it..

A higher purpose? A point?

What do YOU want the purpose to be, Edric?

Folks find purpose in life in many places. Folks have many goals. Travel. Make money. Help others. Settle down and raise a family. Friendships/coworkers. Educating themselves - or others. And so on.

Gotta find stuff you care about or that impels you to action, then work toward that. Make some first steps.

Gotta have a plan! That be a big first step. What do you want your life to be about? What do you want them to etch on your headstone years from now when your work is done?

Best wishes!

[Turbo]

Hey Edric, good on you for putting yourself out like this. Takes a lot of courage.

It sounds like the things that were once adventurous and exciting for you have become boring and mundane. I'm the same.

Try to think of something, ANYTHING, that you might be interested in. Even hypothetically, then give it a try. I did this with rock climbing and it opened an entirely new exciting hobby for me.

[Edric]

Edric - what does interest you? What do you like? What are your hobbies, activities? Come on, friend - help us out here! :D

Game playing and design, drawing, singing, maybe a little bit of dancing, acting, roleplaying.

I'm also looking into both parkour and archery.

[Edric]

A higher purpose? A point?

What do YOU want the purpose to be, Edric?

Folks find purpose in life in many places. Folks have many goals. Travel. Make money. Help others. Settle down and raise a family. Friendships/coworkers. Educating themselves - or others. And so on.

Gotta find stuff you care about or that impels you to action, then work toward that. Make some first steps.

Gotta have a plan! That be a big first step. What do you want your life to be about? What do you want them to etch on your headstone years from now when your work is done?

Best wishes!

The purpose I want is something that's not humanly achievable. It's so deeply rooted in fantasy that it's an impossibility.

Hey Edric, good on you for putting yourself out like this. Takes a lot of courage.

It sounds like the things that were once adventurous and exciting for you have become boring and mundane. I'm the same.

Try to think of something, ANYTHING, that you might be interested in. Even hypothetically, then give it a try. I did this with rock climbing and it opened an entirely new exciting hobby for me.

Parkour and archery, both of which my family disagrees with me doing and I'm financially dependant so I have no way to make it work.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Edric

[GAJ123]

Honestly at this point I don't know anymore. Just want to crawl in a hole & die. Feel like I have way too many problems to ever lead a normal life again. Can't believe my life has gotten this bad. At rock bottom basically.

[Licorice]

I've struggled with that a lot myself... and I think a lot of the purpose and romance doesn't appear as a grand adventure, but is a process towards something. It's easy to say "I'd be happy if I was famous like Stephen King", but right now what I have is "I write with a good work ethic and fill a fun niche".

Other things I'm having trouble staying motivated in. I picked up The Well-Grounded Rubyist to broaden my programming knowledge and general technical skill pool, but to what end? I don't know how welcome I really feel in these fields, and I know I'm no Bill Gates.