Are You Happy With Your Life?

[MrCastle]

Are you doing everything possible to enjoy it? To accomplish your goals? Do you have dreams? Do you chase them?

 

Or are you just going through the motions, day in, day out. Working at a place you hate. Doing things you're not even sure why you do them. No passion, no direction, no motivation.

 

I'm a firm believer that you should be the lead star in your own life and not play a supporting role.

 

You should be doing things you're passionate about. Discovering your true purpose in life. Always working towards finding that purpose. Not just sleep walk through life.

 

Right now, I'm in between. I have several passions and interests but I feel like I have to make a decision on which one of those passions I'm the best at (writing, acting, or photography), so I can determine which one will give me the best odds to succeed/make a living off it. Once I decide, I'll start pursuing it more seriously.

 

I'm feeling overwhelmed as I get ready to graduate college because there are so many different avenues I can travel down as far as career paths and I need to figure out fairly soon which one to stick with. I'm getting a degree in Media, with a focus on Journalism -- so that opens the doors for many different writing jobs. But do I want to write for a magazine? A newspaper? Do I want to be an author? A screenplay writer?

 

And that's just writing. That's not taking into account my love of acting. Or photography. There's wedding photography, portrait photography, etc.

 

I'm happy I feel like I've narrowed my picks down to three different types of art, but at the same time feel completely overwhelmed in how to go about picking just one to try to make a living with.

 

I can't sit around anymore waiting for something to happen. I need to make a decision and stick with it.

 

I'm 25, I can't be 30 still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.

 

Anyway, are you guys satisfied with where your life is currently or where it's headed? If not, are you doing anything to change it?

[BeautifulBlueEyes]

Well...for me. No. But that is because I am 25 and lost as hell. I am just out of my first relationship (yea yea) and it seems like I'm been wandering aimlessly. So...I'm just going through the motions working at a place I...don't hate but I could live without...

 

I'm trying to become a star in my own life but I think the casting director was a little drunk when I got my supporting cast. >_<

 

Mr.Castle, how did you discover what you are passionate about? I am always amazed when people just seem to KNOW what they are passionate about. I know what I care about but I am not sure anything really sets me on fire.

 

However, shouldn't you pursue the passion that makes you feel more fulfilled? Not just the one that will allow you to make a living? Also...we're only 25...why do we have to decide our life paths right this instant? *shuddar* I would hate to think the decision I make today are ones I will be stuck with forever. We've got time to be flexible because really...passions can change.

 

To answer your final questions - I am not satisfied with my life or where it's headed BUT I have the power to change it. I just need to make a decision...pick a direction and go. However, how do you fight the fear of making the wrong decision?

[Woggle]

I have actually been much happier ever since I stopped expecting people to be decent and I am pleasantly surprised when somebody else. This world is filled with idiots and jerks and I have come to terms with that fact.

[Els]

Yes, I love my life. I think I've been very blessed in several aspects. There are certainly a few things about it that I wish were different (honestly, does anyone think their life is perfect?), but I am very happy with it in general.

 

I don't think that's mutually exclusive with desiring self-improvement, though. One can have both.

[Els]

 

However, shouldn't you pursue the passion that makes you feel more fulfilled? Not just the one that will allow you to make a living? Also...we're only 25...why do we have to decide our life paths right this instant? *shuddar* I would hate to think the decision I make today are ones I will be stuck with forever. We've got time to be flexible because really...passions can change.

 

You don't have to be stuck with it. Honestly, there are very few decisions that you are stuck with forever - the only (reasonable) one I can think of would be having children. People can and do change their career paths, sometimes several times over. There is nothing wrong with that.

[ThaWholigan]

I'm somewhat content.

 

The nature of my mind and capabilities dictate that there is probably a million and one things I can do. Problem is, everyone had/has a plan for me and steering me into directions I'm not sure I want to go toward anymore. I have reached a level of content but there's still a lot of restless energy.

 

I've finally laid out something of a plan for myself. Involves finally completing performance set and at least a few albums of material, finally going back to study after hiatus, and getting into martial arts. Want to sort out money and get myself into a disciplined routine in terms of health, rituals and food.

 

Too many plans

 

But I'm content. It could be a lot worse and I know what my capabilities are.

[tman666]

I'm pretty happy. I think there's a tendency of my generation ("millennials") to sort of expect to be happy 100 percent of the time, which is basically impossible, near as I can tell.

 

-I like my job and the people I work with, even if I feel I'm underpaid (don't we all? ). I'm lucky that my job has been allowing me to find balance between being busy with work, but not so busy that I haven't been able to enjoy other things and find time to study for my professional licensing exam coming up in October. I'll be fully vested in my share of company stock by the time I find out whether or not I passed my exam, and I'll then be able to take a look around and see what else is out there, and make an informed decision (from a power position) on the next move.

 

-I have a wonderful girl in my life who truly enables me to be the best version of myself.

 

-I'm fortunate enough to live in a place that allows me to indulge in my passions of various outdoor activities and sports.

 

-My dogs are amazing.

 

-I still get to see my family fairly regularly.

 

Still, I find myself going through dark moods sometimes where I just feel "stuck" and where each day seems like a repeat of the last. It sucks to feel like that, but I also accept (logically) that repetition, persistence, and some level of drudgery are necessary parts of life.

 

Mr. Castle: I remember feeling similarly to you as I was about to graduate college. It was sort of like "well, what now?" coupled with the anxiety produced by "am I making the right move? What if I make the wrong move? Will my decisions now set the course for the rest of my life?"

 

While the decisions you make now will certainly effect the rest of your life, you also need to take a step back and realize that we all just take it day to day. Having a view of the future is good, learning from the past is good, but the present time is pretty much the only thing we have much of a say over.

[sweetkiwi]

I don't think I'll ever decide one thing I want to do/be. In my experience happiness is a choice, I am very happy. Satisfied? No. I want more. I want it all.

[Eve]

I have been happier since not working. Not being part of society is very excellent. In many respects I think I have really only been part of surface level representation of society and feel better not having to interact now even with that. It has been very liberating.

 

I am recovering well from my op but I have decided to hold off on any plans and just enjoy life for the next year.. or so. Although, I may go back to College and do something just for fun before starting another business next year.

 

No rush.

 

Life is very good. I have worked so hard and given all I have to my family and now I am free, 25 years earlier than planned! I am just taking everyday as it comes.

 

Take care,

Eve x

[M30USA]

I have actually been much happier ever since I stopped expecting people to be decent and I am pleasantly surprised when somebody else. This world is filled with idiots and jerks and I have come to terms with that fact.

 

LOL, you would enjoy reading "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius (ancient Roman). He basically says the same thing: to begin each day by EXPECTING betrayal, disloyalty, immorality, and incompetence. And he says to make peace with it and not be resentful.

[amaysngrace]

It's 95 out and the ocean is 70 and there's not a cloud in the sky!!

 

What more could I want?

[MrCastle]

Mr.Castle, how did you discover what you are passionate about? I am always amazed when people just seem to KNOW what they are passionate about. I know what I care about but I am not sure anything really sets me on fire. [/Quote]

 

I realized in school when I would write papers the night before they were due, in under an hour, hand it in, and get an A every time. And my friends would write multiple drafts throughout the course of a week, and have to settle for a B or maybe sometimes, get an A. But it was clear that for them to do it, they'd have to put in a lot more effort than I did. That's how I discovered my talent. I realize not everyone can do that, just as I suck hard at math and others do it with relative ease. I saw how naturally writing came to me. I started writing a short story or a poem here or there, enjoyed the fact that it allowed me to create entire worlds from scratch, moved onto bigger things like script ideas and said "yes, this is what I want to do." -- It was recently that I decided to take on photography as I'm also very visual and it provided a different kind of satisfaction. Acting, I always loved, but early on felt like so few people make it that it wouldn't be worth trying to go after -- but then I said screw it, you only know for sure if you try.

 

So I suppose that's talent based. As far as passion -- I've always wanted to help people. I get a joy from both entertaining people, and helping them. I hate when I see people being treated unfairly, and always had this feeling like I had to stick up for them. I'm sure some have seen this in my posts throughout my time here as I sometimes get into hot water for being a little too provocative when it comes to subjects I'm passionate about. I want a platform to spread positive energy. Be a voice for those who don't have one.

 

If you are struggling to find out what your passion is, I suggest checking out this book. I hear very good things.

 

New Book: Finding Your Element | Sir Ken Robinson

 

However, shouldn't you pursue the passion that makes you feel more fulfilled? Not just the one that will allow you to make a living? Also...we're only 25...why do we have to decide our life paths right this instant? *shuddar* I would hate to think the decision I make today are ones I will be stuck with forever. We've got time to be flexible because really...passions can change. [/Quote]

 

You're right about doing what I'm most passionate about. But at the same time, I do need to make a living. I don't want my passion to just be a hobby of sorts. I want it to consume my life so I can focus on it totally. Not just something I do on weekends while I work a lame job Monday to Friday. My real goal, as I've said on here many times -- is to positively change the world on a big scale. Through humanitarian efforts. Sticking up for the little guy. Brining light to injustices I find in the world. My hope is through my writing, or acting, or photography, that I will gain notoriety -- and will be able to use my celebrity for something good.

 

However, how do you fight the fear of making the wrong decision?

 

To me, making no decision at all is scarier than making the wrong one. I can't sit back wondering "what if." I have to try and if I fail, at least I tried.

[BeautifulBlueEyes]

amaysngrace - I want to be where you are...especially if there is an ocean.

[Eternal Sunshine]

No, can't say that I am happy. I am working towards the future that I ultimately want but I am not there yet.

 

I agree with Woogle though. My life got a lot better since I lowered my expectations of people. I expect everyone to betray me and when they do, I literally feel nothing. When they don't, I am happy. Beats the hell out of being constantly disapointed.

 

I also have a LOT of restless energy. I am always doing 3 things at once and yet another thing in my mind. I need to constantly make big plans or I feel empty. I wonder if I will ever feel truly present anywhere or at peace.

 

Few days ago, I have randomly been searching for something to watch on TV and stumbled upon this unknown Canadian show Being Erica. First night, I watched 10 episodes in a row. It's almost scary how much it parallels my life. I was in awe and a lot of good advice (main character is doing therapy), I can apply to my own life. I would suggest it to anyone that feels stuck in a rut and has little time to kill. Although it's too girly for you MrCastle

[amaysngrace]

amaysngrace - I want to be where you are...especially if there is an ocean.

 

Look!!

<-----

 

[Babolat]

I'm 25, I can't be 30 still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.

 

 

At 22 I thought I had it all figured out. At 35, same thing.

 

I am now 47, and I do not have a clue! I do feel like I am floating from day to day. I have a good job "on paper" though I have my frustrations. I am on here half the day, so there is an answer there, huh? On weekend, no LoveShack for me!

 

My life is in constant change, and I think I like that. I am always evaluating who I am, where I am, what I want, etc.

[Babolat]

I also have a LOT of restless energy. I am always doing 3 things at once and yet another thing in my mind. I need to constantly make big plans or I feel empty. I wonder if I will ever feel truly present anywhere or at peace.

 

Same here, I find it difficult to be calm, to rest, in fact it almost scares me.

[Babolat]

I'll add that at 32 I made a total career change; gave up 70% of my salary to go for a passion.

 

It's paid off, I like my work, I am making great money, though I miss working with passionate, smart, positive and intelligent folks, as I draw energy from them.

[ltjg45]

Am I happy?

 

Sounds like a trick question in my case.

 

All I can say right now is that after almost 5 years of unemployment, I'm back to work at Wal-Mart as an overnight cashier. It is a pain getting used to a sleeping pattern change but I'm finally back to work and is now useful to society once again.

 

There isn't anything else that could make me happy right now. Now to start cleaning up the financial mess I made a few years ago.

 

It will take me quite some time before I get the life I wanted but I finally got the one thing that I need to get started. I can't be any more grateful than this right now.

[pink_sugar]

At the moment I could be happier with my life. I am generally a very driven, goal oriented person, but lately my depression slows down my motivation. I am a soon to be graduate and I am on the lookout for a better job, but with the tight job market, I feel like I'll never make decent money or it will take forever to happen. I know I'm being unrealistic, but I've been feeling a bit discouraged. However, I will not stop applying to jobs everyday...I know eventually a good job will come my way if I stick with it. I am 24 and sometimes I'm very hard on myself. I beat myself up for having to ask my dad for financial assistance sometimes, I feel like I should be making better money for someone my age. I know quite a bit of people who are making less than me or don't even have jobs...but I have huge goals and I get disappointed that I cannot achieve them right away. However, despite all of that, I am easy to please. I am easily made happy when I spend time with friends, watch a favorite tv show, sip my favorite drink with a good book in my hand and etc. I love living, I just wish my circumstances would improve.

[MrCastle]

At the moment I could be happier with my life. I am generally a very driven, goal oriented person, but lately my depression slows down my motivation. I am a soon to be graduate and I am on the lookout for a better job, but with the tight job market, I feel like I'll never make decent money or it will take forever to happen. I know I'm being unrealistic, but I've been feeling a bit discouraged. However, I will not stop applying to jobs everyday...I know eventually a good job will come my way if I stick with it. I am 24 and sometimes I'm very hard on myself. I beat myself up for having to ask my dad for financial assistance sometimes, I feel like I should be making better money for someone my age. I know quite a bit of people who are making less than me or don't even have jobs...but I have huge goals and I get disappointed that I cannot achieve them right away. However, despite all of that, I am easy to please. I am easily made happy when I spend time with friends, watch a favorite tv show, sip my favorite drink with a good book in my hand and etc. I love living, I just wish my circumstances would improve.

 

You're not alone, sugar.

[Eve]

Well, during our usual nightime chat and review of the day last night, the most amazing business idea came to H and I! I had thought I would need to experience some more door opening before it came and so had decided to just be at peace until that time came.

 

I have come to uderstand this is the pivot for inspiration to take hold.

 

I do have another idea but it will cost a ton of money which really I would prefer to invest in buying a property for my eldest daughter. She manages but we would like to see her settled and able to generate an income from rent that can keep her living and saving well. Plus I am not sure I want to go back into what I am trained to do which is very central to the business idea. I think that passion has now developed into something else because my past is healed.

 

Funny how life goes. The name, logistics, everything came so easily and we have all the right people at hand to start it, right now. My other idea would involve inviting too many random people into my life which could be good but also potentially draining.

 

This is the second time you have been an indirect inspiration to me Mr Castle. Even though we will probably never meet, thank you. Aim high young man but make peace central.

 

LS has been important to me in my recovery and I do think this is a very blessed place. Best get moving, lol.

 

Be good to yourselves,

Take care,

Eve x

[Silly_Girl]

Are you doing everything possible to enjoy it? To accomplish your goals? Do you have dreams? Do you chase them?

 

Or are you just going through the motions, day in, day out. Working at a place you hate. Doing things you're not even sure why you do them. No passion, no direction, no motivation.

 

I'm a firm believer that you should be the lead star in your own life and not play a supporting role.

 

You should be doing things you're passionate about. Discovering your true purpose in life. Always working towards finding that purpose. Not just sleep walk through life.

 

Right now, I'm in between. I have several passions and interests but I feel like I have to make a decision on which one of those passions I'm the best at (writing, acting, or photography), so I can determine which one will give me the best odds to succeed/make a living off it. Once I decide, I'll start pursuing it more seriously.

 

I'm feeling overwhelmed as I get ready to graduate college because there are so many different avenues I can travel down as far as career paths and I need to figure out fairly soon which one to stick with. I'm getting a degree in Media, with a focus on Journalism -- so that opens the doors for many different writing jobs. But do I want to write for a magazine? A newspaper? Do I want to be an author? A screenplay writer?

 

And that's just writing. That's not taking into account my love of acting. Or photography. There's wedding photography, portrait photography, etc.

 

I'm happy I feel like I've narrowed my picks down to three different types of art, but at the same time feel completely overwhelmed in how to go about picking just one to try to make a living with.

 

I can't sit around anymore waiting for something to happen. I need to make a decision and stick with it.

 

I'm 25, I can't be 30 still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.

 

Anyway, are you guys satisfied with where your life is currently or where it's headed? If not, are you doing anything to change it?

 

I like this post.

 

I have so much respect, time and love for people who make changes, or at least are determined to enjoy every day. I am a busy person and even when times are tight, and there've been outside restrictions, I have done all I can to enjoy life, improve things. Even the simplest of things... Anyone can watch a film, but how much fun is a full-on 'movie night'?? for example.

 

I find myself increasingly intolerant of people who do not strive in some way.

 

I have worked so hard in my career. Made myself ill more than once because of it (never again).

 

I am finally, at the grand old age of 37 , reaping the benefits of the lessons I learned. I feel like in many ways I was a late starter. I owned my own home (mortgage), had a family and a career very young in life, younger than any of my peers, but I didn't truly grow up until much, much later. Right now I'm leadnig a charmed life. It'll change, I know. Life's like that, but I'll keep striving and learning and I am 100% sure I'll never go back to some of the places I have been in years gone by.

[iris219]

It's 95 out and the ocean is 70 and there's not a cloud in the sky!!

 

What more could I want?

 

Brrr! The water's 82 here.

 

Yes, I am happy because I have accepted my life. Happiness for me requires effort and acceptance.

 

Am I exactly where I hoped I'd be in my life? Am I living the life I dreamed about at 20? No, but that's OK. I make the best of it and focus on what's truly good.

 

I remember feeling similarly to you when I graduated college. I had these big dreams and wanted to live this amazing life. Guess what? It didn't happen exactly as planned, but my life is still good.

 

Have goals and work towards them, but don't over think it. I ended up in a place I didn't think I'd be or want to be, but it's exactly where I'm supposed to be and I'm happy.

[Shepp]

Im lucky and I know it:

• I love my job - I love feeling im doing something worthwhile, making a difference.
  
• I have great friends and family who I get to see a lot
  
• I have a great girl in my life even if shes not technically my girlfriend right now
  
• I love where I live
  

I've got a lot of things I still want to do - to move up the ranks at work, to get promoted in our football league, to build my own house, to make my girl my girlfriend, to get married, to have a family, to see some of the world. But there not far flung dreams, there graspable - I think all the time while your dreams are achievable your moral stays good.

:D