Anxious
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Do you ever feel like you have no purpose in life?

I mostly do. I really don’t knowwhat I really want. I feel like I’m left out. I’m now old but still didn’t reach anything. I’m lost and alone. And I don’t have the courage and will to do anything to get out from this situation or feeling. I don’t know what’s wrong with me? I don’t know why or how I end up like this. I just want to evaporate.
Yes, but I don't care. Why do I need a purpose in order to enjoy my life. I didn't ask to be here, I just exist, so I will make the best of it.
CrazyMusicLover · 31-35
@MsSwan Exactly. This purpose thing always makes me feel as if someone wanted me to justify my existence. I don't need to justify it to myself.
@CrazyMusicLover Well said.
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
@CrazyMusicLover You really dont need to justify your existence. Its just that so many seem to feel that need. Personally my biggest thing has always been to get through with as little regret as possible. And that has served me well.😷
summersong · F
I’ve been there, on and off over the years. I think sometimes I need that darkness and feeling lost to find myself again but regardless it’s a shitty feeling and I hope it passes soon for you.

Also, as someone older, I gently recommend that you try to stop the feeling old bit. In my experience it becomes an ingrained narrative that only gets worse as you age and prevents some of the actions (and risks) that are needed to get to a better place 💚
Pinkstarburst · 51-55, F
It seems there has been some strange timeline planted in our brain that tells us we are supposed to be somewhere by a certain age. As someone who still struggles with this, I have to continually remind myself that this timeline is a HUGE lie!

A purpose isn’t something set in stone and doesn’t happen by a certain age. It’s an ever changing state of being. We may be serving a purpose and not even know it because it isn’t something that’s stamped on our forehead as “Done”

I’ve come to realize that my purpose is to wake up each day and breathe in and out. Smile at strangers. Exist on days I don’t want to. Be the person I would like others to be to me.

Success, wealth, possessions…those are goals. A purpose is something you do outwardly with the acceptance that you may never see the outcome, but feel the peace inwardly.

You are living your purpose everyday. You just have to decide how to show it. And your purpose points you to your goals, which you may find will change as well.
Convivial · 26-30, F
You have to make a purpose...
@Convivial This is a deep cosmic truth about the universe. There really is only DIY for providing meaning to life.

A lot of people try to outsource purpose to God or an equivalent. But, in the end this doesn't really help since deep questions of the same sort arise in connection with the actions of God that give rise to the human duties that allegedly create purpose in the human lives.
Nevaeh0081 · 36-40, F
@Convivial nmh. That's the hard to part.
Freeranger · M
No. Never. You live in America. You have ample opportunity to find one. Start by sacrificing your time.....a food bank, a reading program for under priviliged kids, delivering food to shut in Seniors, start a community garden.....how could you not think you had a purpose if you do one of these, or some other. Give of yourself.
Freeranger · M
You need to reestablish a purpose! I cannot say it often enough, but giving of yourself and your talents (and YES you DO have talents), you can make some other persons life who is far more disadvantaged than yours purposeful.
When you pour your heart and effort in to someone else, or something else you become "self-less." Do you have some land? Grow a garden, establish a farmers market and share your veggies with shut-in's. Can you read? Many school systems have after school programs where you can volunteer.
But....it is when YOU forget about YOU, and instead begin availing of yourself and your talents to light up another's life your feelings of vacancy will change. Get back on the horse.
SW-User
We all have a purpose, you just have to find it or create it. My purpose is my children and ensuring I can give them everything while having wonderful and happy times with them.

Reading, thinking, planning...all of that can provide purpose too.
in10RjFox · M
Life is basically purpose less as most of us were brought into the world, with no real purpose and the same goes for our parents and grandparents who were also brought into the world without any purpose. Even if asked what real purpose they served in this world after ever so many years, which is when they would start thinking and only to find nothing purposeful.

But now your problem is your loneliness. So instead of remaining where you are, just get out to hunt for purpose.. find someone to add your life to or get company of another who is also in search of any purpose.

Anything is best done in a company.
SW-User
Surely seeking to understand ourselves, our "self", should be at least one aspect of this? Seeking a purpose without any understanding of the one who seeks leaves us suspended in mid-air, grasping air, telling ourselves it is what we want!

Being lost is in this context (i.e. of not really knowing who we are) is a good place to start. And paradoxically, it may be that finally having no "purpose" or "meaning" - predefined, or as some sort of target - is more life-giving to our true selves!
dale74 · M
Society encourages the wrong things for happiness happiness doesn't come from making lots of money or being successful at a job. If you think about it most people didn't even have jobs At large businesses until about a 150 years ago. Happiness comes from having a family
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
There is this thing called the "butterfly effect". I am sure you have heard of it.. You will make a difference. Maybe not in the way JFK , George Patton or Hitler did.. But you will do something that effects the life of another and the dominoes will fall. You will make a difference just by living your life..😷
I think it’s easy to get stuck in those lower vibes. A lot of it is self doubt or ourselves in our head not meeting a self defined expectation. It’s hard to stop yourself once you start feeling this way. A lot of anxiety of the future and remorse of the past. When I feel this I try to really clear my head of all thought. It’s hard to not think but once I get close enough or clear enough (each time is a practice) I am able to just feel the now. The actual moment of now is what matters and it’s so short it passes. That small fact makes me hopeful that even what burdens me will also be soon gone or just a small moment in time as it keeps going. Hope u soon feel better.
Rhode57 · 56-60, M
Yes when your suffering ill health disabled and unable to work I am not much good to anyone so yes I often wonder what the hell is the purpose of me being alive .
SW-User
Being alive is my purpose.. oh, and doing my part as a proud Murkan and BURNING THIS MUTHAFUCKA TO THE GROUND!!
djjohnson · 41-45, M
Believe it or not but this is how a lot of people feel. Can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had with people struggling with this. And I’m no exception. To me what makes it the hardest is that I just can’t muster up enough motivation to actually change anything. Mostly because when I’m not willing to give up what I do have to make any changes work.
Arorin · M
Ive felt that way like things I've tried didn't really pan out or i didn't like what i was doing. I take things one day at a time and try to put myself in a better place. Maybe one day ill be further along the road to where i want to be. The waiting game does suck though.
Redstar · 36-40, M
That's how I feel. There's nothing here for me. I don't even have one thing or person keeping me here.
You're not even close to being old, though. 26 - 30 years isn't even half of the average persons life.
CrazyMusicLover · 31-35
I don't feel the need for purpose myself but I'm afraid of bad treatment from others if they discard me as useless to them or give me shit because I don't measure up to their moral standards.
No. I feel like the system makes us do wrong things.
So whatever! No politics and absolutely no sympathy from the Murkan war that killed as all hopes and is a fake country.
DragonFruit · 61-69, M
I don't have any great need to define my purpose....I just try to be kind to others and otherwise do things that I enjoy. Others will decide what they want about me
Tukudo · 41-45, M
Enlightened Masters are telling that only purpose of life is to live JOYFULLY...This is your right time to start inner journey to find yourSELF
Jungleman · M
life can get tedious and boring at times now, you really have to dig deep and soul search for an inner meaning to it all.
hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M
You have not been well served by the ideas common in our modern society. You are not alone in that. Modern society is antihuman.
Muthafukajones · 46-50, M
I feel hopeless but not suicidal often, you can message me if you want whenever. I understand some of what you’re going through.
pdockal · 56-60, M
You need to talk to a professional as most of the advice here won't help
I have been through this. Make your life meaningful it's in your hand.
Iwantout · 26-30, M
Yeah I feel like that too I wonder why I exist
PhilDeep · 51-55, M
Never felt without purpose.
DaveE54 · 56-60, MVIP
Every single moment of my life
SW-User
Not anymore..i know my purpose
Torsten · 36-40, M
not for 14 years now
Alex51 · 61-69, M
Quite natural
Redstar · 36-40, M
@Alex51 It's not natural, it's just common.
MURD3RM0NK3Y · 26-30, M
You're not old
Fukfacewillie · 56-60, M
I don’t have that experience for a couple of reasons. First, three people depend on me for food, shelter, and iPhones. Second, I’ve never needed a purpose because I could do very little and be content.

You seem depressed, though, I’m sorry about that.
pancakeslam · 41-45, M

 
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