Purpose in Life

[Clueless Morgan]

I'm struggling right now and one of the things that I'm struggling with is purpose in life. I'm not one who believes that there is an inherent purpose to our lives any more than there is an inherent purpose to the life of a worm or a tree or an antelope. That's never bothered me before but now I'm facing the chasm of my future and it feels so empty.

I know I'm posting this in the philosophy forum but I'm less interested in the philosophical question of meaning and purpose in life and more interested in what gives your life meaning and purpose and how I can find that for myself, post-cancer.

[Jenny A]

I sure dont have an answer to this one.

I find mine in art and family, not necessarily in that order.

[Catholic_Lady]

Personally I think love and relationships (especially family) are the most important and fulfilling things in life. I find great fulfillment and sense of purpose in nurturing those things.

[brewer]

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Yep, that'll do.

[Brian37]

I'm struggling right now and one of the things that I'm struggling with is purpose in life.  I'm not one who believes that there is an inherent purpose to our lives any more than there is an inherent purpose to the life of a worm or a tree or an antelope.  That's never bothered me before but now I'm facing the chasm of my future and it feels so empty.

I know I'm posting this in the philosophy forum but I'm less interested in the philosophical question of meaning and purpose in life and more interested in what gives your life meaning and purpose and how I can find that for myself, post-cancer.

I am 51. I would never recommend anyone strive to be a poet if their goal is to have economic stability from it. You can be a poet, but odds are you wont become the next Poe or Plath. I have been writing poetry for over 30 years. I haven't made a dime off of it. 

I am glad you understand that in cosmic time we don't matter. But if you are looking for what makes you happy now, while you are alive, that is not that hard. Don't chase what you think others think the script to life is. Be you, because that is all you can be. I think the most important thing to not feel empty, is be yourself. 

You say you've had cancer, I have not, although my mom had her breasts removed herself. I will not pretend what that like to go through myself. My mom didn't even die from that.

There is always an end for all, no matter how well they do or how healthy they are, our bodies always break down. We all die no matter what.

It does not have to be fatalistic knowing that. I can't give you a utopia cure, other than to say that time is what you want it to be. I would say, no matter what, relationships matter the most, not paycheck, or fame, or class. 

I would not look at life as a comparison to others to measure myself by, as much as I think it should be looked at "We are all human. Did I make others smile? Did I make others think?" Outside that, if you haven't ended up murdering others out of selfishness or greed. I am sure those you run into will remember, even if the cosmos wont, your empathy and compassion will be remembered.

[Catholic_Lady]

There is a particular quote that speaks to me regarding the purpose of life and helps me stay focused on what I believe is most important:

"A society built around the individual, rather than the family, will petrify into unspeakable emptiness.

We are not made to be a collection of individuals running around chasing our own cravings. We are made for family, and for fellowship; for sacrifice and generosity; for love.

Love doesn’t come from that third book you wanted to write, or the award you wanted to win, or the partnership you sought. None of that will come visit you when you are old and lonely, or sick and dying. All the stuff you chased down and hoarded into your little box will turn to dust before your eyes, and you’ll have only the souls you loved and gave your life for." - Jennifer Hardltline

[Angrboda]

I find commitment to goals to be the cornerstone to existential meaning and purpose.

[SaStrike]

Ignorance, potential, dreams, greed, family, friendship, lust. You know, small things. You say you've had cancer and unfortunately going through something like that can take your number one cause of purpose away: ignorance. You've had a harsh wake up call to what life really is. Most haven't. Gonna be tough for you I guess. But there's hope as the human brain is pretty adaptive and bounces back to a balanced state after a while. Give it time.

[WinterHold]

This is how I see life.

Being here is temporary; in other words I'm just passing by. This can't be real life; and can't be it. From the lost respect for this life, I turned to believe that it's precious and important because we will be judged after we die for what we did in this life. In other words all I care about in life, is that people get a fair exam chance.

Then, a second, eternal one, where our bodies are perfect and in their true form, begins.

I have Multiple Sclerosis, so walking a couple of blocks is enough to bring me down. So my purpose is to write down my results; be the best I can in what I can, go learn, go write, go fight. It's not even real life, so be the best you can depending on your conditions.

This body is your exam pencil; and the purpose is to make it until death knocks the door. To me; I worship God and that is where I believe we're going. My purpose is to escape his wrath; and that's by not commit deeds he despises.

Your sickness is a challenge. Beat it

[The Valkyrie]

I find commitment to goals to be the cornerstone to existential meaning and purpose.

This.

I also feel the way you do at times.  One of my coping mechanisms are my infrequent missions for MSF, like the one I'm on in May.

Family and friends are a great source of purpose.  As are setting yourself goals to do things that you can really enjoy (and afford).