I Feel Like I'm Lacking a Passion For Life...

[USMCHokie]

Ever since I moved to California a few months ago, I feel like I've lost a zest for life. I know sometimes life can be mundane, especially with a steady routine of sleep, work, and gym with some meals, TV, and LS sprinkled in. I really shouldn't have anything to complain about, and I honestly don't. I'm not necessarily super happy, but I'm certainly content. I just don't know what it is exactly, but I feel like something is missing in my life...like there's an emptiness...

 

What do you do when you get the feeling that you've lost that passion in life?

[Teknoe]

I just don't know what it is exactly, but I feel like something is missing in my life...like there's an emptiness...

 

What do you do when you get the feeling that you've lost that passion in life?

 

Honestly, my first thought: What do you think of Jesus (Christ)? I won't preach but what are your religious/spiritual beliefs, Chokie?

 

For me, when I feel stagnant I just remind myself to count my blessings. And I thank God for it. Even though I can't see or hear Him, I believe He's there and everywhere, listening. It's hard to explain, but sometimes I can feel Him right there with me. My faith helps me find meaning in life.

 

Have you ever tried attending a Sunday church service before? Maybe sitting in the back and just taking the message in? I always recommend that for people who are feeling listless in life or "empty." It's free, and at the very worst, it's 90 minutes of a Sunday. I think you'll live even if you give up 90 minutes of a Sunday to visit a local church

Edited April 28, 2012 by Teknoe

[USMCHokie]

Honestly, my first thought: What do you think of Jesus (Christ)? I won't preach but what are your religious/spiritual beliefs, Chokie?

 

For me, when I feel stagnant I just remind myself to count my blessings. And I thank God for it. Even though I can't see or hear Him, I believe He's there and everywhere, listening. My faith helps me find meaning in life.

 

Have you ever tried attending a Sunday church service before? Maybe sitting in the back and just taking the message in? I always recommend that for people who are feeling listless in life or "empty." It's free, and at the very worst, it's 90 minutes of a Sunday. I think you'll live even if you give up 90 minutes of a Sunday to visit a local church

 

I've been non-religious all my life. Interesting though, as you are actually probably the first person in my life who has ever suggested this...

[fucpcg]

I always say the same thing when people make any reference to life being empty, unfulfilled, lost after a breakup, or anything along those lines... volunteering. Where? Endless places. Animal shelter, boys and girls club, little league baseball, special olympics coach, BBBS, chemo pals, gliding stars are just a handful of examples, and programs I've worked with. Help yourself, and help someone around you, all at the same time.

[CarrieT]

Hokie, what part of California did you move to? I've lived in San Diego, all parts of L.A. and now the Bay Area.

 

I might have some suggestions for you...

[Surrealist]

I've been non-religious all my life. Interesting though, as you are actually probably the first person in my life who has ever suggested this...

 

I was atheist until I was 20 years old. Became a Christian in January 1991. Many ups and downs since. Recently recommitted myself in January 2011 to Christ, noting what I see is a rapidly transforming world heading toward the end-time last days great tribulation period Jesus outlined - as recorded in the bible. I haven't looked back since.

 

In short, the current global (unresolved) financial and economic crisis, the changing political and economic landscape in Europe, mounting tensions in the Middle East leading to likely major war in the region, increasing extreme weather patterns and earthquake activity, advancing technology heading toward a new economic system as outlined in Revelation 13:16 - 18 following a massive global financial and economic collapse, numerous signs in the skies, the sun and moon, ecology and environmental - the writing is on the wall and these are both serious and yet exciting times to be witnessing as a Christian believer looking toward the fulfillment of bible prophecy.

[january2011]

When I feel disconnected and everything's very samey, I look for ways to feel connected again - shake up my routine.

 

As fucpcg wrote, that could be through volunteering or other activities such as meetup groups, where you are getting out, meeting people and doing something different.

 

Cali is huge - there is so much to do and see there. Rather than heading to the usual places like Vegas, how about taking a drive to other places? Or another state?

 

There are also small things you can do to shake up your routine. Do you always hold your toothbrush in your right hand? Why not try your left hand next time? Do you always sleep on the right side of the bed, why not try sleeping on the left side?

 

Something else you can do is to pick a learning and development goal - a musical instrument, a language, reading all the works for a particular author, etc. Stick at it for a month and get as far as you can. If there is something that you've always wanted to do, now's the time to try it.

 

I bet it is the routine that's getting to you. Most people need structure but after a while, it gets boring. You might have figured out the most efficient way of doing things but then there's no more learning curve, no progression to witness. All there is an infinite plateau of nothingness. Wake up to a day of exactly the same thing, day in and day out, is enough to kill the soul. That's why you've got to shake it up and do something diferent. Get out of your comfort zone.

[Teknoe]

I've been non-religious all my life. Interesting though, as you are actually probably the first person in my life who has ever suggested this...

 

Pretty much me too until I was 25 years old about 3 years ago.

 

Check out a local church service. Heck, do it tomorrow if you can. Most people say they'll "look into it" but never make the time to go. In fact, we know someone like that on LS, he's our lovable pal that I'll have go unnamed but you know who I'm talking about... *cough* viva Las Vegas.

 

Don't be that guy, lol. Google local churches in your area and commit to just visiting one tomorrow. Would love to hear your impressions too when you've visited, either through PM or right here in this thread

[cerridwen]

Ever since I moved to California a few months ago, I feel like I've lost a zest for life. I know sometimes life can be mundane, especially with a steady routine of sleep, work, and gym with some meals, TV, and LS sprinkled in. I really shouldn't have anything to complain about, and I honestly don't. I'm not necessarily super happy, but I'm certainly content. I just don't know what it is exactly, but I feel like something is missing in my life...like there's an emptiness...

 

What do you do when you get the feeling that you've lost that passion in life?

 

Something that sets my heart pounding with fear and exhilaration.

 

But my question back to you is one for clarification.

What kind of emptiness is it?

 

If it's a hole in your heart because romantic connection is what you want, bungee jumping isn't going to fill it.

To find an effective solution means understanding the problem accurately.

 

And so I ask:

 

Does the emptiness feel romantic in nature? Like you miss the sparkle and pop infactuation gives? Or, are you feeling like not enough life experiences are being lived?

Hence, the hair up your booty.

Edited April 28, 2012 by cerridwen

[USMCHokie]

Does the emptiness feel romantic in nature? Like you miss the sparkle and pop infactuation gives? Or, are you feeling like not enough life experiences are being lived?

Hence, the hair up your booty.

 

It's definitely not romantic in nature, and it's not necessarily that I feel like I'm missing out on life experiences...

 

Maybe it's hobby/interest/activity related. There's currently nothing I do on my own time that I'm truly passionate about or that gives me fulfillment...nothing that I truly love to do...I feel like I've lost that somewhere along the way and am now just going through the motions...

 

Golf used to be my thing...my passion...not so much anymore...haven't touched a club in probably two years...and I don't feel an inkling of drive to start again...hell, I didn't even take my golf stuff with me to California...

 

Weight training used to be something I'd look forward to and somewhat enjoy doing...now it just feels like a minor annoyance in my day...

[USMCHokie]

Hokie, what part of California did you move to? I've lived in San Diego, all parts of L.A. and now the Bay Area.

 

I might have some suggestions for you...

 

I live in the desert near Palm Springs...but not Palm Springs...

[USMCHokie]

Pretty much me too until I was 25 years old about 3 years ago.

 

Check out a local church service. Heck, do it tomorrow if you can. Most people say they'll "look into it" but never make the time to go. In fact, we know someone like that on LS, he's our lovable pal that I'll have go unnamed but you know who I'm talking about... *cough* viva Las Vegas.

 

Don't be that guy, lol. Google local churches in your area and commit to just visiting one tomorrow. Would love to hear your impressions too when you've visited, either through PM or right here in this thread

 

:laugh:

 

It sounds like an excellent suggestion, but I don't really know how to reconcile my religious non-beliefs with the inherent religious bent of church service...is there a particular kind of church that would be better suited for someone coming from a non-religious background and focuses more on the spiritual side of things...one that won't scare me away...?

[Eternal Sunshine]

My life will always feel a little empty without a partner. No other way about it...

 

Maybe you are the same.

[USMCHokie]

My life will always feel a little empty without a partner. No other way about it...

 

Maybe you are the same.

 

I'd like to think this is not the case for me...and the only thing I can think of where this issue of passion would be directly related to another person is if you had a kid, and your "passion" in life would be raising and spending time with the kid...

[USMCHokie]

Cali is huge - there is so much to do and see there. Rather than heading to the usual places like Vegas, how about taking a drive to other places? Or another state?

 

Yea, I'm done with Vegas for a little while...

 

There are also small things you can do to shake up your routine. Do you always hold your toothbrush in your right hand? Why not try your left hand next time? Do you always sleep on the right side of the bed, why not try sleeping on the left side?

 

Heheh, these are the things in my routine which I don't mind...and I'm stupidly undextrous with my left...

 

Something else you can do is to pick a learning and development goal - a musical instrument, a language, reading all the works for a particular author, etc. Stick at it for a month and get as far as you can. If there is something that you've always wanted to do, now's the time to try it.

 

I'd love to get back into playing guitar again, which I did "passionate" during college...but all my stuff is back on the east coast...laziness is striking again...and striking hard...

 

I bet it is the routine that's getting to you. Most people need structure but after a while, it gets boring. You might have figured out the most efficient way of doing things but then there's no more learning curve, no progression to witness. All there is an infinite plateau of nothingness. Wake up to a day of exactly the same thing, day in and day out, is enough to kill the soul. That's why you've got to shake it up and do something diferent. Get out of your comfort zone.

 

This is true...though I will be deploying soon for a year where it IS routine that drives most people crazy...doing exactly the same thing at the same time every day for a year... :bunny:

[january2011]

Rather than heading to the usual places like Vegas

 

Oops! Vegas is in Nevada not Cali.

 

Seriously, Hokie, shake it up a little. You're a marine - highly self-motivated and resourceful.

 

Left hand - try it, teach yourself to be ambidextrous - writing, teeth-brushing, ahem...cultivate the stranger.

 

Guitar - what about borrowing a guitar from someone on-post?

 

Deployment - well, yes, exactly - there's probably going to be a lot of downtime. And while I know that all kinds of shenanigans go on during downtime, you still have to find a way to keep yourself occupied. I can't remember if you mentioned where you're headed but if you hate the heat in Cali, Iraq's going to be even more of a hellhole. Afghanistan will be a little more humid but still non-descript terrain as far as the eye can see. Either way, you're going to have to find a way to inject some fun into your day to stop them merging into a homogenous mass of same-s h i t -different-day.

 

In the meantime, set some goals - even if they're only weekly ones. Make the most of your time before you deploy.

[USMCHokie]

Seriously, Hokie, shake it up a little. You're a marine - highly self-motivated and resourceful.

 

Well, while I was preparing breakfast just now (yes, at 2 in the afternoon...), I just thought of something I would love to learn more about and get better at...cooking...I can prepare decent food for myself, but I'd love to be able to study and learn more and turn it into an art...the men in my family have always been the cooks...

 

Just not sure where to start...what resources are available...

 

Left hand - try it, teach yourself to be ambidextrous - writing, teeth-brushing, ahem...cultivate the stranger.

 

Well, there is one thing I do left-handed...

 

Guitar - what about borrowing a guitar from someone on-post?

 

Maybe...or I can finally arrange to have all my gear shipped over...

 

Deployment - well, yes, exactly - there's probably going to be a lot of downtime. And while I know that all kinds of shenanigans go on during downtime, you still have to find a way to keep yourself occupied. I can't remember if you mentioned where you're headed but if you hate the heat in Cali, Iraq's going to be even more of a hellhole. Afghanistan will be a little more humid but still non-descript terrain as far as the eye can see. Either way, you're going to have to find a way to inject some fun into your day to stop them merging into a homogenous mass of same-s h i t -different-day.

 

Well, it's not necessarily downtime, but a routine of standing watch and going to meetings...the same thing every day...

[january2011]

Well, while I was preparing breakfast just now (yes, at 2 in the afternoon...), I just thought of something I would love to learn more about and get better at...cooking...I can prepare decent food for myself, but I'd love to be able to study and learn more and turn it into an art...the men in my family have always been the cooks...

 

Just not sure where to start...what resources are available...

 

Here you go:

 

• Culinary Techniques for Healthy School Meals
  
• Food Recipes - how to video tutorials Cooking, Dish, Country (Most viewed)
  
• Food & Drink - how to video tutorials Food Recipes, Drinks, Cooking Tips & Techniques (Most viewed)
  
• Epicurious.com: Recipes, Menus, Cooking Articles & Food Guides
  
• foodgawker | feed your eyes
  

 

Or you could make a list of dishes you want to re-create or a cuisine you've always wanted to learn more about and look for a relevant YouTube video. If you don't have any idea where to start with the list, then just try some different restaurants every week and try to re-create the dishes at home.

[spookie]

What are your long-term goals?

 

I used to feel "empty" all the time until I realized how much time it took to accomplish anything worthwhile.

 

Now, my work is cut out for me for the next couple years.

 

I want to reach a certain level in my primary career, before switching focus to writing and managing my investments (slum lording).

 

Hopefully I will get married at some point along the way, and my next big adventure will be motherhood. But there is a lot I want to get done before having kids, so I don't have time to sit around feeling empty or bored.

[tman666]

Taking up fly fishing has been a relatively (been doing it less than a year) new passion for me that has helped drive me to get out of the house. It's nice having something to plan out and look forward to other than the gym (don't get me wrong, I love the gym, but diversity is great).

 

I know you're probably pretty far from any fishable streams, but various outdoor activities has always been key in igniting the "zest" you speak of, at least for me. This is why people get into things like hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, camping, dirt bike riding, shooting sports, etc.

[FitChick]

I don't really know how to reconcile my religious non-beliefs with the inherent religious bent of church service...is there a particular kind of church that would be better suited for someone coming from a non-religious background and focuses more on the spiritual side of things

 

I recommend reading Autobiography of a Yogi. You may have read it in college if you took a Religion and Philosophy course. I've read it at least three times. There is a Self-Realization Center in Encinitas near San Diego. SRF is nondenominational. Learn to meditate and skip the middle man (church).

 

There are all sorts of guided meditation CDs by various groups. I assume you are in Twenty-nine Palms so close enough to Palm Springs to see if there is a meditation group or similar.

 

As for your passion for life, wait till you get to Afghanistan. I think the first bomb blast will give you passion for life big time!

[Teknoe]

:laugh:

 

It sounds like an excellent suggestion, but I don't really know how to reconcile my religious non-beliefs with the inherent religious bent of church service...is there a particular kind of church that would be better suited for someone coming from a non-religious background and focuses more on the spiritual side of things...one that won't scare me away...?

 

The most "friendly" church for non-religious folks would probably be non-denominational. Many non-denominational churches advocate "coming as you are" and showing love to all people regardless of where they've been or even what they believe in (or do not). I go to a non-denominational church and it's something even my non-Christian friends can visit once in a while and not feel scared or too out of place.

 

But really, you won't know until ya go. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone.

[Star Gazer]

Hmm. Emotional detachment, including a loss of enjoyment for thing once once found enjoyable, is one of the phases of the emotional cycle of deployment. In fact, it's the first phase in pre-deployment.

 

Maybe that's it?

[USMCHokie]

Hmm. Emotional detachment, including a loss of enjoyment for thing once once found enjoyable, is one of the phases of the emotional cycle of deployment. In fact, it's the first phase in pre-deployment.

 

Maybe that's it?

 

Maybe, but if it is, then it's completely subconscious...it would make sense in that one would try to detach from everything at home in order to avoid "missing" it in country...

 

But I think this has been going on even before I knew I was deploying...I just didn't really realize it...

[USMCHokie]

What are your long-term goals?

 

That's a great question...one for which I don't have an answer, because to be honest, I don't think long term...never have...sure, I'd like to do things like everyone does like get married, do the family thing, and have a successful and fulfilling career...but I don't operate day-to-day with those goals in mind...I guess I just accomplish things as they come and trust that I will get where I need to be...