āInformation is not knowledge.ā ~Einstein
AĀ few years ago IĀ was lost. Frustrated. Scared. Unsure. Anxious. Trapped. Unfulfilled. Stuck in a dead-endĀ job. Smothered by societyās expectations. Didnāt have a clue what I wanted to do with my life.
I cared for myself enough to change my life, butĀ IĀ didnāt have the slightest clue where to start. I spent my days wishing that things would changeāthatĀ I could escape a life that my soul could no longer bear.
The worst part of all,Ā I was living the life that society had always told me to live. āFind a secure job, work hard,ā they would say. āGet a solid job and work your way up the ladder.ā
I donāt know about you, but it turns out that for me, the āright thing to doā sucked the joy out of life.
Imagine feeling trapped in an unsatisfying existence. Wasting your precious time doing things that you really donāt want to be doing. Being afraid to express your uniqueness. Having fun on the weekends then dreading the upcoming week. Maybe you donāt have to imagine it; maybeĀ yourĀ life is just like mine was, few moments of satisfaction drowned out by a constant grind of work that doesn’t fulfill you.
Then something hit me. It was a proverbial hammer to my head. Iād heard it before, but it had never sunk in. Then, as if out of nowhere, a voice in my head spoke loudly and clearly.
āDiscover who you truly are and fully give every aspect of your uniqueness to the world. This is your path to an extraordinary life.ā
I followed this wisdom as if my life depended on it. And I can tell you that my life has changed for the better since I followed this guidance.
I can tell you without any doubt that the greatest piece of wisdom that Iāve discovered in my life thus far is this:
If you want to live an extraordinary life it is imperative that you know who you truly are, and to do so you must explore who you truly are.Ā
These 6 questions changed my life forever. They will also change your life forever by allowing you to find your true self, and in doing so, discover why youāve been born into this great world.
I’m not talking about the āselfāā that others demand you to be or the self that acts a certain way to fit in and conform with what society accepts. I’m talking about the true youāthe you who wants to authentically express your special and unique qualities to the world.
By answering these questions you will discover your unique passions, strengths, values, desires, and motivations, which are all yearning for your expression.
You have a unique purpose. Discovering the answers to these questions will allow you to align yourself with that purpose and bring real magic into your life.
Self-knowledge is the greatest knowledge that you will ever acquire. Why? Because your ability to fulfill your unique internal drive will determine your ability to fulfill your potential, which in turn determines the quality of your life.
The questions below are designed to help to know yourself deeply and find what is truly important to you. We all have an unexpressed potential; the exercises are specifically designed to help you find yours.
1. What do I absolutely love in life?
List anything that you love about the world and the people in your life. Think about any activities that get you excited and enthusiastic and make you feel most alive. This can be absolutely anything: music, sports, cooking, teaching others, learning, watching moviesāanything. Within your love for these things lies deep passion.
2. What are my greatest accomplishments in life so far?
List all of the moments that you are proud of as well as the times that youāve succeeded. To have accomplished these, you would have used some of your key strengths. See if you can identify why you succeeded. Also, list any activities, hobbies, or anything else that you do that you complete with ease. Within these lie greatest strengths.
3. What would I stand for if I knew no one would judge me?
List everything that you would do if you werenāt afraid, even your wildest dreams. This will help you discover your greatest values.
4. If my life had absolutely no limits and I could have it all and do whatever I wanted, what would I choose to have and what would I choose to do?
Describe your ideal lifestyle. List what you would do throughout the day if you knew that you were bound to be successful, what kind of person you would be, how much money you would earn, and where you would live.
This question allows you to realize who you would truly want to be if there were no limits. By aligning with this you can begin working towards the life that you truly want to create. Know that you wouldnāt have a desire if you didnāt also have the ability to fulfil it.
5. What would I do if I had one billion dollars?
List everything that you would really love to do if you had all the money in the world. Okay, so you would probably travel the world, buy a house or two, and give some money to your family. Then what would you do with your time?
This question helps you to think without limitations. When we are able to remove limitations and boundaries, we can discover what we really want to do.
6. Who do I admire most in the world?
List your greatest inspirations and the qualities that you admire about these people. Think about what really inspires you in this world. What you admire about others is also a quality that is in you. Know that you admire someone because they have similar qualities to you.
Taking the time to answer these questions will change your life. The more that you can implement your passions, strengths, values, desires, and motivations into your days, the happier your life will become!
You can study to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or anything else, but this knowledge will only take you so far. Meanwhile, discovering the deep wisdom of self-knowledge will ensure that your life is far more meaningful and fulfilling. I’ve got a feeling that is what Einstein meant when he said āInformation is not knowledge.ā
The most valuable knowledge that you will ever discover is, and always will be, within.
Photo by Vinny123
About James McWhinney
James McWhinney is the author of The Wellbeing Revolution. James is committed to living an incredible life and empowering others to do the same. If you want to boost the love, happiness, and fulfillment in your life, check out his website at premiumgrounding.au.
Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine.
i agree – self knowledge, or rather i advocate self-aawarness is crucial to personal development
it’s about understanding our underlying emotions and hence behaviour
Noch Noch
This is by far one of the best posts I have read on this website. Very powerful & helpful. Thank you.
Glad you liked it Tanya!
This was an excellent post – thought-provoking and true. Ā Once you get on your path, follow your inner guidance and take action, EVERYTHING changes. Ā
very good ideas…thank you!
Great post. I’ve passed it along to my 18 year old daughter who is trying to figure out a career path. Hopefully this will help her make some great choices and avoid the years of slogging that so many of us have had.
What if we try and have no answers for these questions? I have no one that I admire. My greatest accomplishment is the fact that I’ve gone 32 years faking my way through life and not ending it.
I feel bad for you , but I can relate about not being able to answer most of the questions. Life can be so hard, but I think you just have faith in the Lord and he will always be there for you. It’s good that you are reading blogs and articles like this. That’s a very positive thing to do! Bless you!
Have you ever heard the expression “fake it till you make it”? You say you’ve been faking it for 32 years. I would imagine that you’ve learned far more than you’re giving yourself credit for. Something is working in your life – what is it?
If you continually question your consciousness, the answers will come. It took me a long process of continual questioning to truly find the answers that i needed. You’ll recieve them eventually š
Here’s a thought: Ā try stopping the faking. Ā See what happens. Ā That seems like a good initial challenge.
After you’ve done that for a while, come back, try answering the questions, and figuring out a way forward from there.Ā
But you’re not going to get anywhere new until you stop walking around at the end of the same dead end path.
Great article!Ā This may be the best article I’ve seen on this site.Ā You should post more often.
Very inspiring and deep enough to dig within and bring out your true calling!!!
”
Imagine feeling trapped in an unfulfillingĀ existence.Ā ”
Sounds like parenting.
Wow, I’m sorry you feel that way.Ā I hope, if you are a parent, you can figure out how to make it more meaningful and fulfilling, not only for you, but for your child(ren), and if you are childless, there is absolutely nothing wrong with staying that way, don’t let societal “norms” dictate that you should marry and have a family.Ā Parenthood is not for everyone.Ā Good luck no matter which camp you are in.
I really like this post. Ā I answered all the questions. Ā Now what do I do with that info? I could find a way to have any of those things I would have by now. Ā I’m not sure if I understand. Thanks.
Awareness is the first step, and a great step indeed. Now that you’ve answered these questions you are aware of your greatest passions, strengths and values. The next step is toĀ introduce your passions strengths and values into your life as much as you possibly can. Let them be your guiding stars. The more that you can bring these things into your life, the closer you will be to fulfilment of your purpose, which is simply to give your unique traits to the world š
I would love for my son to learn these powerful lessons at an early age.
I’m right there with you on that one! I think thought the best way to do that is to lead by example and make them aware of asking themselves the same questions throughout their lives. The rest we can just hope they can be happy and healthy.
I think you nailed it, a lot of us don’t have to imagine living an unfulfilling existence, even if there are momentary interludes of contentment.
What if one has a very good idea of who they are, what inspires them, how to tap into that and be nurtured by it…yet we still feel this way more often than not?
This was a great article, and by no means am I saying all of this to challenge the positive message contained within. I just think that for myself personally, identifying these things is merely a start. It’s knowing where to go from there that’s the challenge, as well as not losing site of it when the world starts to feel like its crushing your soul…
I think the biggest thing for me was the discovery that weĀ willĀ never jump from whoĀ we currently are to who we depply desire to be. As long as we hope for a quick transition, nothing ever happens. However, if we take baby steps and begin by implementing our passions, strengths and values into our current reality, we gradually build momentum.
You will always feel discontentment – everyone does. But as you implement your unique traits into your life more and more, the discontentment will become much rarer, in fact, you’ll find that your highs get higher and your lows will also get higher.
Use baby steps to build momentum!
Thank you for this. I have been in this weird transition phase where I feel trapped and I have been unsure of how to get where I am supposed to go. I know I need to do some more digging within myself and I have the loving support of my family while I try to figure things out.
I was also in that phase Sara. I believe 100% that these phases we go through are brought into our lives to give us a nudge in the right direction, and here you are!
It has taken me more than 60 years to finally do what I have longed for. These are great questions. What’s important is how you act on your answers.
I feel I was more aware of who I really am, and living as that person, at 18 years old than I am now at 58. ‘Life’ happened. I allowed my life to become the same as those I viewed at 20 as pathetic and sad…”who in the world allows themselves 2 weeks a year to do something, somewhere, that makes you happy?” I need that ‘ free to be me’ life again. I want to leave this life living and being THAT person. Maybe it took being diagnosed with cancer to here. I just hope I have the courage to do it! The questionnaire is a great tool…
It’s great that you’ve developed such a great sense of awareness, Candice. Once you find your answers, the most important thing you can do is take ACTION! Take baby steps and begin by implementing your passions, strengths and values in to your life more frequently.What have you got to lose?!
Candace, I too was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 38. it definitely leaves you with a lot of eye opening questions and realizations. I hope you are healing well, not just physically but in life as well. It’s a slow process sometimes but well worth it.
Jacquellyn
Right! Ā Life happens, and you begin to think that what you used to want is no longer possible. Ā Especially while you’re raising a family; Ā priorities must shift, and in the shifting of focus, you lose the old ideas of YOUR ideal. Ā And if you are lucky enough to keep the old ideals in mind, maybe you can no longer afford the lifestyle or activities that used to be in that mental “pretty picture” of your life. Ā I so hear you, Candace. Ā I’m 44, and beginning to feel the same way as you. Ā Who the heck am I, and how can I NOW –with these circumstances (for me, my family) — be what I’ve always wanted to be?! Ā The best of all luck with your cancer fight. Ā I’ll say a prayer for you tonight.
I just found this web site today (4/20/13)…Candace I bet your post hits a lot of us heading into the last 3rd of our existence in the heart. When I was 20 or so, dreams and the energy they created kept me up at night with enthusiastic anticipation…But back then I thought I had forever to act on them. Now, a whole lot of living out of necessity and survival has taken the place of my dreams. They are so distant that this exercise is a whole lot harder than it would’ve been back then. I’ve spent my entire life with a few very brief segments, living to please everyone but me. I’m 62 and have this recurring feeling that I’ve managed to squander the lion’s share of a tremendous gift. Although I’ve had some very precious and notable events in my life, most has been spent in living a life of quiet desperation. Up until now I’ve lacked the courage to step out and make the gift of getting to live on this planet meaningful. Finding this site has been a gift and I give thanks to the author of this article. —A great place to start…
By the way Candace, I hope your dreams are materializing now and the cancer is only a memory.
your never too old dennis ! and you sound like such a great man, im 25 and desperate to do something but im also scared of doing things on my own
I have been so busy recently that I haven’t been able to really sit down and read Tiny Buddah for the last few weeks. I suddenly decided to start today, and man and I happy that I did! What an excellent blog! Like a lot of other readers, this may be one of the best I have read on this site yet!
I need to go write all my answers down but I was able to mentally go over them and even doing that, I immediately found the few things that have always called me. My struggle has always been what to actually do with that knowledge! A couple of my “passions” require a lot of money and although I am unbelievably thankful I married a man that has some cash flow… It doesn’t always help! A lot of people in the “profession” come from old money and it has predominantly remained that way over the years. What do you do to get past an issue like that?
I’m glad you liked the article Jodie š If you’d like some extra guidance, feel free to email me james@thewellbeingrevolution.com and we can discuss this.
GREAT article…absolutely loved it!! Ā I will try to answer the 6 questions… don’t know what could happen after that… š thanks!
Great to hear. Let me know how you go!
OMG! Ā This is exactly what I feel every single day of my life. Ā Who am I? Ā What purpose do I have in life? Ā Is there anything in life that I can do to be happy? Ā Why am I alive? Ā Thank you James for sharing this with us. Ā I will definitely try this; after all, I have nothing to lose.
Glad this resonates with you. Let me hold you accountable to trying this, i want you to tell me your answers once you’ve discovered them!
WOW! Great article! Thanks!!!
Great questions, James, and very powerful ones.
I can see a lot of journalling potential in each and every one š
Blessings
TANJA
It is ironic that we are so often seeking the answers to life’s great questions that we fail to realize that often finding the right questions are more helpful.Ā Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
I too have chosen to seek meaning, purpose, significance and satisfaction by understanding my heart’s desires and calling.Ā From time to time I share a few hard learned insights on my blog in the hopes that others might find them helpful in their epic life adventure.
Andy Dix
Author, “Life Matches: Fire Up Your Life!”
http://www.lifematchesbook.wordpress.com
These are great questions! I guess I have to consider myself lucky in the sense that I have never really felt that way, at least not long enough to not just walk out of the situation. I have been a free bird my whole life and have been able to travel the world, learn many lessons through experiencing people and situations that I would not have learned any other way. I was married to a wonderful man for nine years with whom I have an amazing daughter and he and I are still very close friends. I’m even friends with his new wife and we all co-parent very well together. I have also dealt with many illnesses through the years that I think may have helped me keep wanting to be free
Oops! Hit post accidentally…
The one question I have difficulty with is #3. I have never really worried about what other people think about what I do. Is there another way of looking at that question? Of course giving a speech to a large audience scares the crap out of me, but that’s not exactly a passion of mine even though I would do it if it became part of something I was doing.
…or am I not understanding it?
Jacquellyn
Bluventures, you’re positivity is contagious :). With #3, it’s designedĀ for you to discover what you may deeply feel but may beĀ holding backĀ due to fear of judgement from others.Ā If you feel like you’re fully expressing all of your emotions and talents to the world in every aspect of your life, there is no need to find an answer.Ā Challenge yourself to find an answer. Kudos to you if you can’t!Ā
Annon, if this is where you are “trapped in an unfulfulling existence” you have the power through your thoughts, and choices to change that.Ā Open yourself up to a GREATER & BETTER existance for yourself.
FANTASTIC article!!!!! Thank you for such wonderful questions, and sharing your wisdom š
Put so well. And I agree one of the best blog posts I have read!!
Really hits you at the core. I’m making changes as we speak. It definitely takes courage and persistence, 2 traits I hope to acquire.
Thankyou for the inspiration
Great post and this really summed up where I was a few years ago, love it ” āright thing to doā sucked the joy out of life.”
Great questions to get us moving towards the life we want, whilst we have to be happy with the life we have.
Thanks
Caroline
Fabulous post – I actually took a piece of paper for each question andĀ spentĀ time scribbling in the answers. Ā They are now pinned to he board next to my desk so I can keep adding to them! Ā Thank you for sharing this post. Ā Namaste x
Wonderful post, and while I have thought of these items individually… They are moving and much more powerful together. I’ve share this with several friends.
am I the only one who looks at these questions and becomes seriously afraid to answer them? what am I afraid of…actually having to do something to bring forth change? probably so.
I’m not usually so opposed to change. in fact, I welcome it. I just don’t know why these questions scare me so.
You’re defintely not the only one who feels afraid. It takes true courage to push on through the fear, but it could be one of the most important grwoth phases that you’ll ever encounter. My tip: go for it! Your fear will quickly run away and hide as soon as you begin taking action.
Number 4 has got me thinking and I’ve been writing like a mad woman about the life I want…. I seem to want it all and the life I want changes in my mind… Where I’d live what I’d do with my day but the one thing that doesn’t change in my mind is who I want to be…. ‘ll come back to this question again…..
Those questions are so powerful. They’re very similar to the ones I asked myself when I began figuring out what I want my life to look like. At the moment, it looks exactly like your old life as you described it. Clock-watching my way through the working week, clinging onto the weekend for dear life. It’s no way to live. But I feel as if I’m finally clear on what I want to do, and I’m taking the steps I need to take to get there. And questions like the ones you shared were so helpful in helping me to gain clarity and start taking action.
Great post. It’s so reassuring to know that other people have been through similar experiences.
i came to this article through an onlineĀ job search bootcamp on mediabistro.com which i highly recommend.Ā it’s part philosophy, part nuts-and-bolts.Ā you really have to do the homework to move (inch or leap)Ā forward.Ā all of the reading in the world isn’t going to help if you don’t put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard.Ā i really liked your comment james about building momentum w/ tiny steps.Ā i also think a course that delves into these life questions should be taught in high school as kids start working part-time and prepare for higher education. i never read what color is your parachute.Ā but just handing a kid a book doesĀ notĀ guarantee it will be read or applied to life (back to the information is not knowledge quote). and then of courseĀ these questions must be revisited throughout life as we evolve.Ā
A brutally honest set of questions which has made me think.
Thanks James
Srini
This is a very useful post, thanks!
to lose a family member brings life into prespective my daughter and wife to be mean everything to me family do to and freinds and to make a smile on another persons face and help them is all i aspire to be to make my brother proud and to b half the man he was ( not to b him just take a few ov his values ) would make me happy good post and if i had more money id have more problems lol peace
This is one of the best posts I have come across anywhere….Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Excellent coaching questions that probe for a deep meaningful answer from within. Many thanks, I will go away & do the work of answering them. Thank you x
I red this about 5 times to fully understand it. Once I understood and could connect things, I literally started to cry. This is one of the best posts that I have read on a website
What now??
This is really beautiful. I’m seventeen and am going to college in a few months and was wondering if I was making the right decision with my choice of major and career and this helped my realize that I am 100% on the right path. Thank you sir!
An excellent post, and one of those all-too-rare moments when we read something that seems to be written specifically for us. Every thought, every idea, every emotion spoke to me. It is me. It has taken me nearly 37 years to realize that the things I want and feel passionate about are not frivolous and childish. That everyone’s idea of “normal” is and should be different, speaking to us as individuals.
I have been asking – and answering – myself these very questions for the past six months, and as a result am about to embark in an entirely new direction. Thrilling and terrifying. It’s nice to see the questions so succinctly articulated in one place…and to see that I am not alone in wanting and expecting more. Thanks, James.
1. The things I love are also the things that make me depressed
2. I have no accomplishments so far
3. Nothing
4. I would become a ghost so I wouldn’t have to live through all the troubles and could just watch.
5. I would probably give the 1 billion dollars away because I don’t even know what I would want to do.
6. I admire no one.
Pray that God reveals Himself to you. You have a plan that you are missing out on. No one should answer the questions like you did. You can do great things!
Not just powerfull but really really helpfull
What I find interesting is how lifes answers come in the form of asking the right questions. The question I found most resonated with me was “if my life had absolutely no limits and I could have it all and do whatever I wanted, what would I choose to have and what would I choose to do?” I 40 years old and have yet to answer this fully. And I know, part of the reason is that if/when I answer it fully, I will feel a push towards making it my reality and I am not sure whether I want to deal with that yet.
I also like the one about who I admire most in the world. I like the idea of seeing qualities I like in someone else and cultivating them in myself. Thanks for these questions. Now it is a matter of taking the time to reflect on and answer them.
If you, like me, don’t buy this, just remember that suicide is an alternative.
Google brought me to this page and the opening paragraphs describe exactly where I am right now. I’m blessed in life and have some wonderfull successes in it too, but feel there is one almighty gap. I feel I’m not fulfilling an unknown dream if that makes any sense! So I have just sat down with a pen and paper to think through the questions …. Thank you xoxo
I broke down crying today reading this post. At age 50 I have been working in the corporate world, enduring toxic bosses and backstabbing coworkers to the point of becoming severely depressed and sick.
I am trying so hard to answer these questions and figure out how to make a living doing something I am passionate about. My love for nature, animals, fishing, outdoors, simple living, art, helping others and the ability to overcome many hard knocks in life…there has got to be something out there for me that is better.
I am dying a slow, painful death in the corporate world. Big salary, fancy car, keeping up with Jones’ boss and coworkers and high pressure job in big highrise office building – I feel like I am selling my soul to the Devil.
I hate it, I am miserable and I am desperate to quit and find something where I can wake up and be happy instead of feeling like I am going to throw up. Yea, my job is that bad.
I pray I find happiness soon and am hoping these questions turn on a light bulb so I can climb out of this darkness and feel normal again. I want to quit my job now but I support myself and my son, dont want to use what little savingsI have then be stuck unemployed. Wish me luck! Thanks for your post.
I wish you the best in making a decision about your career that will bring you satisfaction. š Acknowledging what you do not like is sometimes the best first step toward achieving what do you do want. What I can say is, there is no job worth making one feel the way this job seems to be making you feel. Of course in the real world we must be practical, so finding a new job is ideal before moving on, but definitely move out of that toxic environment as soon as possible.
I love hippie happy’s answer. I’m 22 right now and soon to graduate; what you feel is exactly what I fear to be when I’m older. I hope that you can find something to do which you love and get out of that environment ASAP! It is crushing your soul. You said you get a big salary, fancy car, yet you love simple living. Perhaps that’s where and to wh you need to go back
Go back to**, a simple lifestyle.
Maybe that’s exactly what you need, it will help with your savings and make you happier… It’s a big change but better than NO CHANGE.
You have a child, and experience in work force..
& if you don’t do it for urself, do it for UR son. He’ll appreciate it more and can look up to you when he gets to this point. You will be HIS inspiration
Wao! so inspiring words at such young age. You have insight that is lovely..Love you. Wish you life that you love most.
Hey..my name is MArcos..I’m 17 years old I’m turning 18 in 4 months. Well you probably be thinkin why I’m posting this here..or probably thinking about I’m too young for this I just finished school and couldn’t graduate as other kids because I didn’t pass the final test. Well .im trying to figure what would I do withy life…people been telling me always. Be focus on what yu want…I really don’t like to be studying alot I’m not that type of guy….well what I expect and what I want is to have my own business …and at the same I feel afraid with ..I cannot get what I want…so that’s what I think
if you do not know what to do, the best thing to do is find ways of improving or taking care of yourself. Confusion is best resolved by action rather than rumination. the action needs to be positive and leads to personal growth. years ago when I lost a job, I took a class to improve my skills and took a temporary job. also take care of your health- time creeps up and you will be thankful in the decades to come. If traditional education is not working for you consider other options. Education is important and allows you to navigate natural changes in life. Just watch out for these scam schools and colleges. Consider your local business organization- several offer free workshops and seminars. First you need to explore life and see what you like. perhaps you prefer working outside or alone. try to figure out what type of work situation is best suited for you and get a job close to this. working for others helps you understand how business works. why not give that a try?
Information is definitely not knowledge – its just a bunch of known data as Einstein mentioned.. thanks for your post – it is really worth reading
I love you š
Lady Angler you may have just saved my life. I am 23 years old and graduated at the top of my class in both high school and college and I feel ashamed that I have not landed a high paying job but I know myself enough to know I would absolutely HATE a corporate job. After reading your comment I have to stop being afraid and worrying about what others think and do what makes me happy. Thank you!
To endure the greatness of life, simply walk to the edge of all things in life. You don’t have to step off, jump, or even climb down just yet, but instead? Look at all limitations and consequences with a peaceful emotion. Explore the possibilities with simplicity, take it all in. Check it out missy, the world is yours for the idealism of who you really want to be, and in path of who you truly, already are. This is what I live by. Just always remember, the heart may not always be right in making decision? But it sure can be fun. š
Jennifer I can totally relate!i’m also 23,a graduate and although I got a job,I was so miserable I had to quit cos I was losing my mind.people expect me to work in the corporate world but that is far from what my heart wants.I don’t know how i’ll start but I’m positive now that i’ll always find a way.God bless you
I dont know if i should pursue being an LPN ..i dont like being a nurse ..i love working with kids but the pay is bad only 10$
Regardless of money, if you do what you live doing for a living you’ll never truly have to work a day in your life. There’s many ways to get better pay. Maybe become a nanny for 15 per hour or open an in home daycare and make much more
Amber i right trust me if you love what you love or like what you do everyday. You never work a day in your life
I’ve worked in design/ art for decades. I have a job most envy. It’s a love/ hate relationship. this idea of “never working a day in your life” is untrue. If you have the ability to manage complex relationships and people challenges and do what you excel at, you will have a positive work experience. People have a way of making our lives heaven or hell. Positively expressing ourselves and standing up to our needs in a proactive way without overturning the apple cart is a skill of its own. mange this and you will be on your way to a good life whether or not you are in an ideal work situation or not.
I quit my job as an RN a year ago, and I have never been happier. I have less money, but have never looked back.
What r u pursuing right now?
What did you end up doing?
RN?
Registered Nurse
sorry, but $10 is not a working wage and will eventually lead to misery. I know people who idealistically went with what they love – art therapy and are now in the Corporate world due to the high cost of living and stress of working with severely troubled kids. I went the teaching route – not for me and am now in the Corporate world as a designer. It was good for a while- I am financially secure, but the coworkers backstabbing has gotten to me. I desparately need a change – I write this as I am ill for the past three weeks due to stress and a lingering progressive cold now bronchitis. after 50 some years of living, I realize the importance of keeping what you love away from the idea of earning money. As soon as they pay you, they own you. Bill Cunningham said something like this an it’s true. I suggest doing some sort of workshop or class at a community center for kids. You can temporarily dip your feet into this idea with no permanent consequences. Think hobby separate from income for starters. there are lots of ways to do enjoyable things online – blog, create art, join a cause… your passion does not need to be linked with your income.
If you don’t like being a nurse, don’t do it! It doesn’t get better.
hey guys.. im 23, in indonesia and worked as govmnt officer because my parents insist it very hard, eith excuse like – hard to find job today- and i was actually left my technical college just to become safe officer and to respect my parents but in about 5 years my life feel like ruined and i cant sleep at night.. thanks for this straight article.. i hope i can be like you guys,.. my still problem is tuition fee and parents permit.. i will do saving and probably selling some fruit to market to gain money. and i can studying renewable energy like solar or wind power plant.. or architect or sustainable environment which are subject that i feel really into them. i just little affraid with my age right now, 23, im worried whether i will make a good career when i just started my study in age like now.. please share yourself story guys maybe i can get some inspiring story like yours so i can enlight my life. sorry for my broken english.. thank you very much
Your ideas are very good, and would contribute to a good future for yourself, your community and those you care about. Why not pursue sustainable development in some way, energy or the built environment? No matter what direction you take you can be excited, learn new things, change when you need to, and teach and inspire others. A very good choice if you want to do it. Push through fear and doubt, and explain the benefits to your parents, hopefully they will see the benefits and support you. You are young and can change your path without too much difficulty.
There’s not much of a future in terms of $ to be earned in those fields. I had to leave my country and study in the United States to finally get a job here working in the environmental field. What keeps me sane is working for an environmental and community development non-profit on the weekends. Maybe Ariyan should look into such things and see how that works.
thanks
hey there ! , my name is abd el illah im 20 years old from algeria ,idk why i have lost a great thing in my life ” the joy ” since my gf left me a lot of thing’s bad thing … happened to me lately , i dont really care about what ppl think or say about me but i just want them to stop i dont show my weakness not even my feeling idk even know why im a righting this right now , i think im sick of my self i want to be me again all the joy and the happiness that once i had , i want that feeling back im not depressed and i refuse to be , anyway i hope u will read this and help me out that would be great
”love abdel illah
Hello Abdou š I just read your comment and I hope this will help . I want you to know that I have been there before I gave lost what I called joy and kept thinking that nothing can make this better I cryied in secret asked for God to guide me and waited for a better situation but nothing of that really was making things right .. until I found out that you creat your own happiness .. change how you see it ! Open your eyes and start all over again ! You are too young life is waiting for you .. and it’s never ever too late ! ā” if you wanna talk more .. please don’t hesitate :’)
Whatever you do, just DO NOT give up! I know the feeling, and that’s me looking BACK at when I was your age and I felt the same way about things/life. I was only existing, not living. I didn’t like people seeing my vulnerability so instead of “venting” or talking to people, I’d keep a journal. EVERYDAY, I would sit down and write in it about what I was feeling that day or what had happened during the day, etc… I hate to say it but it took about three to four years for me to break out of that miserable funk I was in, but it did eventually happen. I think it was when I started to make myself be more sociable, as I had kind of backed off on going out and doing anything. Then one day I forgot to write in my journal. Then the next thing I knew, I had forgotten about the journal completely. See, the thing was, I ONLY wrote in the journal when I was UNHAPPY with life. When things started turning around, I stopped waiting for the end of the day when I could vent to my journal. It MIGHT would help. I’m sorry for the way you’re feeling, and I hope you find strength and motivation QUICKLY, as like I said, I know how you feel, and it’s not a fun feeling. Just keep the faith, persevere, and you will be okay. I promise. I”m 46 years old NOW, and if I could do it when I was your age, you can do it to. Something else that use to help me, and I know it’s gonna sound crazy, but this REALLY DID help as well, was anytime I was sitting down and had nothing to do, I’d daydream about what I WANTED or wished my life to be life. I’d make it as vivid as possible in my mind. I’d do that OFTEN, but I started with JUST BEING HAPPY sort of daydreaming. Anyway, I think that had something to do with my mindset and life changing as well. It seems everything I use to daydream OBSESSIVELY about, has come to fruition. So you might try that to. Like I said, I know that sounds crazy, but it really did work with getting me out of that funk I had been in. Anyway, that’s my advice. Whatever advice you do end of using, I wish you well, and hope you a speedy, VERY SWIFT recovery from feeling like that.
Hey Ariyan, Dont be afraid bro. I’m 31 now and I see where your going, and i believe in your ideas. I too think like you do. I have decided to jump into trying to make my hobby my living.
I dream of starting a small high tech organic farm, and I can no longer resist the urge to start. Ill start small and see from there.
I have a great job now, 9 to 5 with a decent salary, but I constantly feel empty and unfulfilled. I always believed that i was doing the right thing, go to school, get a job, work hard, start a family etc…but it just does not seem right.
Nature keeps calling to me.
Your young, start small, make it a hobby at first. Use the experience to better your ideas..When you feel its time to make a big move, you will know.
I personally began to resent the worlds around me, I am constantly stressed, nothing makes me happy anymore. This is/was my signal…I have decided to make the move.
Good luck, and listen to your heart bro
This here. Your post is the push. In high school, I looked forward to things like rehearsals and extra school-related activities. Now I see *literally everything* as a Need To Do rather than a Want To Do, and because of that, if I don’t practice a “hobby”, I feel guilty. And then the guilt makes it even harder for me to do anything other than get out of bed.
My therapist keeps saying I’m doing well, but I don’t think I’m expressing clearly enough just how garbage everything feels. Yeah, I am doing well – I have a job related to my degree, I have consistency, I have friends/family, and I also have crippling anxiety/depression. Its killing me.
Years ago, if I couldn’t sleep for some reason, I’d work on something – a project, reading, anything. Now if I can’t sleep, I don’t get up and work, I lay there and worry about how I need to sleep for work. Because I commute so far.
TL;DR Sometimes I feel like dying is a better option, because the anxiety and stress is killing me anyway.
I don’t know what I even like. I used to like music a lot. I was a relatively successful musician but I failed and I’m too far gone from that world to go back (i.e. I have to pay my own way now and I don’t have the means).
I think I rambled too long but I am having one of those days. Sorry y’all.
How are you today?
I hope you are doing okay. You mentioned you were a relatively successful musician, do that on the weekends, or when you have time off. Start slowly. Lack of sleep is adding to your anxiety, so step back, breathe, slow your mind. Start a project… think, layout what you want to do and take it from there.
As an RN, I was/ am anxious, so much less now, but when I was driving to and from work,I started listening to Christian radio, talk, music, and that was the only way my anxiety was reduced. The calmness and message of the songs build you up. Take care and trust in yourself.
SDM
its okay dude, life gets better, things get easier – life is worth living. hope youre okay man, all th love bro. tell us how you are. <3
How are your ideas going? I wonder if you started..even a little. I hope you did š
Hey, Yes i have started…. in a sense, had to sell the idea to the wife first, and luckily enough she agrees and support me. technically I am still where i was since my post, but I have already activated a plan to make the big jump. Hopefully within a year and a half we can move and i can get my hands dirty :D.
The plan has also evolved from the high tech farm to a hybrid farm/b&b/resort, i..e more sources of income to keep us a float.
having this in mind has really helped me with the day to day grind. it gives me hope and motivates me daily, the plan reminds me to not take work too seriously, its just work and its not life. sometimes its hard, not because of work but because I am too excited and impatient to make it happen….i just have to be pace myself….
how about you?
thanks bro.. sound like we are not all alone š
I just done same thing. ImI scared
Hi Ariyan Wijaya, I just read your comment today year 2017. This comment was 2 years ago. I am curious how’s your life now. I hope that life treats you well. Sharm here from the Philippines
.
Hi there Ariyan :). Yes, I’m curious too how things are going for you (also 2017 now)! I do know that parent’s/family pressure is just as hard to overcome as getting the money you need to do what you want. I hope you were able to break free & do what you want to do! Let us know! I, myself would like to know if you overcame family pressure!
It’s always the best when you are truly learning what you enjoys
I am sorry but you people donāt know what itās like to be stuck. I am 22 I have criminal record. I have bad credit. I donāt have not one single friend. Iām sad and alone my own mom hates me her boyfriend threatenes me.
i also hate the corporate job. but din’t get what can i do??
Dear LadyAngler,
You seem like someone with a lot of passion and decision power. Use it. My suggestion is instead of looking for a new job WHILE stil hating the old one give this a go:
1 – Every morning before work think about at least one thing you like about your job and you are thankful for. You know, nothing superfancy, even small things like “I like Jhons cologne and I’m thankful for this pleasant, woody smell” or “I like that thanks to this job I can get my son an awesome gift he always wanted”. Stuff like this. I know it may seem both silly and hard at first. If it does nothing for you after 2 or 3 weeks – just drop it š Hopefully it will make you like your job a little bit more again and again! It will change your focus.
2 – Job is overrated! Think how can you put your passions into a business. Quick idea from the top of my head: What if you’d start a “Work-a-holic Re-treats” business? People, just as stressed and burned out like once you, with high-profile jobs and fancy cars would drop that facade for a day or a weekend and under your guidance will learn to fish and about animals and nature. Being outdoors always soothes and opens our hart. You could form an allience with some Meditation expert or Yoga trainer perhaps where you could share your valuable insight into minds of people like you. You seem sensitive to human nature and needs, thats for sure! You would be helping others when they need it the most. You can easily fire a pilot by just inviting people from your job to join you on a weekend like that. If you like it – package it nicely, promote and call it a business. You can do it all just as your after-hours small project at first. š
3 – Have Fun!
What an awesome business idea
I am 33 years old and I am a elementary teacher. I truly love working with children, it brings me great happiness seeing my students everyday. I am more than just a teacher, I am a Councelor, mother , father……. They are other things that deep down I know I can accomplish. Being a teacher I do not get pay well I can hardly pay back my loans. Sometimes I just feel very depressed and lonely. I absolutely love cosmetics and traveling. My biggest problem is that I don’t know where to start or even how to go about starting something that I love and that pays well
U have to do heigher studies and try to take tution it will help to get pay
There are a LOT of young and no so young women making $20,000+/month on youtube talking about their favorite make-ups, dresses, daily lives, etc. My girlfriend is hooked with them. She watches make-up videos every night in bed as well as the girls’ daily lives, etc., which by the way annoys the c rap out of me. I believe Youtube used to pay about $3,000 per million views (could be more or less now) when I was into Google Adsense and took a look at their Youtube program around 6-7 years ago. I used to make $10-15K/month with Google Adsense through my sites displaying advertisers’ ads, so don’t doubt that Google could pay that money easily with any of their similar other programs. Google is a very powerful/rich company with billions to burn.
If you have a decent number of subscribers, cosmetics’ companies will start contacting you to promote their products. That’s where the big money is. The more videos you make the more subscribers you will get. Extra videos of your daily life (shopping, going out eating with your boyfriend, being silly, whining, crying, bad days, talking crap, being human) will attract millions of subscriber women out there. They will follow you like a cult leader. You can make videos in your free time.
You can choose any topic you want to make youtube videos and I think you’ll make money. Traveling is a high paying keyword. There is a lot of money thrown to it by advertisers on youtube and on the web. Teaching English pronunciation, grammar, and everything related might attract ESL, grammar, translation program advertisers, don’t know. You have to know who fuels the specific field online. I do know for a fact that there is big money behind cosmetics and traveling. Solely making videos about your life (reality) I believe is profitable too. You are marketing to millions of people out there with, arguably, “boring” lives. Research all about how to make money with youtube videos, if you are interested.
Good luck.
Its true get very less paid for being a teacher and thats very rude
but teachers get summer’s off so its not that bad …
No, teachers have to take continuing education classes and attend planning meetings in the summers. Plus, they put in 60 hours plus a week during the school year. Don’t fool yourself. Teachers work their asses off for peanuts.
They sure as hell do! My sister quit teaching because of the unrealistic demands made on teachers. She consistently had 12+ work days. I hate that people buy into this “teachers are the problem” rhetoric. No, it’s uninvolved parents and school boards/administration only concerned with standardized testing because of God-awful mandates like No Child Left Behind that were designed to fail.
Exactly. Thank you. I had to retire from teaching (and I LOVED the actual teaching part and miss it a lot) due to depression and anxiety. The best teachers I know feel consistently overwhelmed by the demands put on them by administrators and mandates. (We called it No Teacher Left Standing, not NCLB.) The most important things teachers want are 1. a return to actual TEACHING, as opposed to just administering and grading tests, and 2. reduced teacher-student ratios. None of the teachers I know are fussing about more money. They simply want a system where they can do what they love…teach children…to the best of their ability . We are losing teachers from the profession because the frustration is too much. Love your teachers. They need it.
It’s shocking that Teachers’ jobs are becoming stressful, and that they are being pushed more for doing tasks other than teaching!
Am 21years of age. A ghanaian I completed senior high 3years ago, av worked with different people but all to no avail. I don’t like working for people but yet still I don’t know what I want in life. Am totally lost. I don’t even have the means to start my own business. Please what should I do.
Agreed. You need higher education than just High School.
Teaching job is so good.. I like spending time with kids… Very young kids especially. They do make you feel free.. But you guys know what.. Many times life feels like a choice between doing what you love in poverty or having a comfortable life with no personal satisfaction… Its all just sad…
Hello, why not teach English abroad? You will get a chance to travel, and earn a good living š Check out South Korea (many wonderful cosmetics too), China, Japan, South America etc š
And because of that “tiny things that you love about your job” and focusing on it, maybe you will forget how much pain does it to you, and maybe finally you’ll die…
OMG! Everything you just said I’ve said to myself. I refuse to work in corporate america anymore. I have been a 1099 employee trying to find my work passion as well. I completely agree with everything you said and feel the same way myself. I want to quit my life as it is an wander the world exploring new places and meeting new people. I just looked up today about joining the peace corp. And, it would pay for some of my student loan debt too!!! I wish you the best as I am on the same journey. I wish I had someone in life to share the experience with tho!
i want to do exactly the same, how did you get on with the peace corp? im 25 and dying to travel but it seems a massive step on your own
I’m 53 and feeling exactly the same as you. My stomach churns as I drive in to work. It’s very hard to come to terms with the fact that after years of hard work to get a ‘decent’ job, you find yourself hating that job. The only answer I’ve come up with so far, is to go part-time. I’ve had to make financial sacrifices, but now at least I’m only miserable 3 days a week instead of 5! The rest of the time I spend as much time outdoors as I can. I’m still searching for viable alternatives – I have to earn at least as much as I’m earning now before I can quit my job, and I need to stick it out for another 18 months for the minimum pension (still won’t be enough to live on), because the thought of old age without any income is too scary to contemplate. I would be so interested to hear if you managed to find a solution.
My thoughts are with you, I had something to post but in short, I wish you the best, don’t be afraid of change. Live how you want to live, not to the expectations of others. Take your life into your own hands, it is never too late š
If you had lived a simple life as you described…you probably would have been longing for a stable life…fancy car…big salary…and a dream house…You have the resources to change your lifestyle……. you can take a long vacation….and do all the things you mentioned …but if you really were what you want to be right now…and you wanted otherwise….it would be pretty hard for you to have all those things at 50 and provide for your son in today’s time of consumerism .!
I would kill to have your life…and then sort things out…I’m telling you this because I’ve been poor all my life…spiritual gratification is a LUXURY for us….!
These posts are very interesting. I wonder if anyone is seeing a trend in the responses. From the rich to poor; from the successful to the unsuccessful, everyone seems to be having the same problem. Take it from me, no matter where you go or what you do, as long as you walk the earth living according to the system of the world… There will always be a void. That void can only be filled by an Ultimate Concern. When you attempt to fill the void with something finite, you fail…every time. That Ultimate Concern is Jesus Christ. If you don’t believe me, look in the mirror in a few years and ask yourself if you still feel empty.
I tried Jesus when I was a child. Guess what? I was still abused and raped despite being a Christian and praying for death.
All religions are falsehoods.
I wish the religious people would stop propagating them.
LadyAngler.. you
are not alone. You are at age of 50, I am 33 years old. I have travelled the
world, lived in three different countries, had and having a great carrier, high
position in company…. but my heart is somewhere else. Everyday I am stumbling
my toes over signs from āuniverseā that I should have change my life. My health
is getting worst, my 3 years old son is seeing me less and less. I am tired of
all this. I hate to fight every day.
So I decided I
have to change. I made long term plan. As we all have financial commitments we
canāt simply change things from one day to another. But small change can help.
Working in high tech industry in top management where are only men sitting around
me (sorry there is still strong men dominated world where women must prove we
are as good as men ) I learn one thing. I can change my life when I really
want. When I can manage projects worth of millions of euro, I must be able to
manage my life and change my life to my benefit and benefit of my family. So I traveled back years, to my youth dreams,
what I wanted to do, what makes me smile when I think about it. And I am pursuing my dream. Step by step.
Problem is that I want to rush time and be there now which isnāt possible. But I
know I can make it. I will take herbalism business after my father, have selfsustainable
farm where I am not depended from The System, I will help with my herb teas and
remedies and massages to those who need
it but mainly, I will save myself and my family. Because I will be part of my
family, not only member who walks home when children are asleep and husband
bored flipping channels on TV. I hope you manage to do small changes in your life
which will make huge effect at the end.
I really like your post. I am the same age and I was laid off from work a year ago. Struggling to decide what I need to do with my life.Not short term but long term. You have a positive attitude and I know you will make it. You were strong/smart enough to get where you are today. You will be able to simplify your life.
u should try visiting philippines…its so much fun in there
I am 21 years old I have two kids and I’m struggling with life.. I want help so bad and don’t wanna feel depressed and lonley. Please someone out there in this world help me…
are you male or female? and what do you do for living?
Hi, did you already found the help you were looking for?
21 with 2 kids… Your life is literally about prepping your kids for the world. When they start School you earn money and pay bills. If you own a house you pay a mortgage. That’s all. There’s nothing else to life.
Mrs M,
That sounds great, I too want to live out of the system with a small farm. How did you do it? did you study agriculture, or herbalism? Do you have any tips for a wannabe organic farmer like me.
Thanks allot,
I wish you the “Best of Luck” in finding ANY light that will hopefully lead you out of your blatant Darkness of a Life right now. I know I am a young adult at the age of 24, but coming from a person who has really bad ADHD and constantly shuts himself out from the outside world, life in general sucks! Nothing lasts forever, nothing!!!!! I have been the nice guy since day one to almost every person that I have ever met and in return I RARELY get that same generosity back. I want to make others happy to the point where I don’t care if I am as long as they are. I have come to the conclusion that it is NEVER MANDATORY to make sure others are HAPPY! Just being a good person and most of all making yourself HAPPY is crucial to not living a life in a place that seems like an abyss. PITCH BLACK. Complaining never seems to do any good in the long run. I have learned that it is much better to just take things how they are and avoid unnecessary altercations with others unless your life is threatened in some way. Other than that I personally don’t see any need to join or create a hostile environment. In conclusion LadyAngler, life is what it is all a person can do is make the best of it. Even if “the best of it” isn’t good or appealing. Good Luck!!!
Hello.. i consider my self a happy person even i have many problems .you know the feeling that you are so ambisious’full of energy’having alot to do ‘giving and alot of amazing ideas you want to make real but you cant cause of iam in a country i love yes ilove but we are victims of those who rule us.. but i still feel happy cause i am a muslim who must be thankful and satisfied and do all her best to success in this life.. i still have hope..one day i will achieve all my dreams.. and you too just believe on yourself and pray alot.
duuuuude keep us updated! don’t continue to live that way!!
Ladyangler my hubsand is going through the same thing (and lets be honest me too) every morning before he goes to work he throws up. He has been doing this since he started working there 4 years ago. I have tried everything to help him but I am failing. I thought he was the only one that did that. I wish I could help him but he’s so darn stubborn and he just thinks it’s over. I have to share this article with him and hope it helps. Might even buy the book and see if he will read it (probably not) good luck to you and may you find the peace and happiness you deserve
hey hope you feel better crying , some times it really help and the only door to release your self when no one else seems to care are understand your pain.
i have always felt like am trap in jobs but i am a musician in the heart and its like a drugs i have 9 skills and cant stick to any of them to make it worst my wife and kids are all canadian and they want me to apply for residents wish i dont want so i cant see my family unless i fly them out of canada .. wich is my wife and four kids to the caymans or jamaica wich is very expensive. so every time i make money i spend it all on them just to see them for a while. i want to kill my self and i dream of takin my life in the worst cnn sytle death and take enouph people with me so some one would feel my pain in death as no one care to listen when your a live .. i have never commit a crime in my life and have no bad record are ever bin arrested ore any thing all i do is help and treat people and kids like i treat mine except know i am in a situation to kill or be kill i don,t know my father i am doing every thing possible to give my kids the live every kids deserve and its hard to watch your kids slowly dying while the people who hold you back have no remorse to you and your family survive
am trying to make sence of it all but if we are putting up borders and talking care of our self only, why even live why not just build the whole world so every person have the same freewill if i was born in a different country and even hurt a few people or kill rob drugs i would still have more freedom than a person who live a clean life and still have none i cant live like this how to end this i need help…. thanks for reading
Kevin, don’t give up! And most definitely DO NOT KILL YOURSELF OR ANYONE ELSE! If that is how you are feeling inside, find help and find it fast! Please!!! There are people that can help you solve your problems…work it out, talk it out…whatever needs to be done, but don’t waste something so valuable as your life! For it does have value…to those who love you, to the strangers you will help but have not met yet, and to God. Yes…God. He does love you Kevin and He knows you and He knows your needs. Ask Him for help and then ask others. Speak up…talk…don’t keep it all inside. Someone may have an answer that you don’t have.
What you have to decide is what is most important for you. Is it so important that you remain a citizen of the islands that you live in or is it more important that you are with your wife and children? I know what it is like to be separated from the ones you love. My first husband was from another country and it took us a year to get his resident visa to come to the US. We were separated for 8 months. At times, it was so painful that I did want to die. But it passed…and we were finally together.
Believe it or not, Kevin, you just helped ME! Last night I sat here thinking that my life held little value as I watched the same cycle of circumstances happen over and over and over again in my life. Poverty and loneliness has been my life for a very long time and I saw nothing ever changing.
Then I googled “change your life” and ran across this post. Reading your post and telling you not to give up is in some ways, like talking to myself. I’m giving myself the same pep talk.
Just had an idea…write about your life and your pain in music, Kevin.
Write and play/sing it for others. Find hope and share that hope with others. You never know what you will do, whom you will inspire. Maybe you already have, but don’t give up…never EVER give up. Just remember this: killing yourself is like an orchestra quitting at intermission. You never know what amazing melodies the next half of your life will bring. Peace to you…
thank you for that i finally decide that my family are not going back to canada to live for a long time. i invest in this country and this is were i belong i would acept the canadian residents but i cant spend the require time in canada to keep the resident and if i lost it its very very hard to get it back.
i have a good head i think i always make money with little money email me i may can teach you a few .. kmarvelus@gmail.com .. and dont worry i only do legal stuff %100 am one of those people that believe in morals over every thing .. but today am feeling a lot better and making all
conection to push forward this new year as starting point in my life but when your geting to 40 year of age .. its realy boble youre soul ..
Kevin, I’m so glad to read your response. I have thought about your comment several times and I’m so glad that you have made such a wise decision! Yes, I would be happy to hear more about what you do to make money. I will send you an email.
There is a way to get through all this; I know people who have felt this way, and thought that this is the best way to solve your problems. Perhaps it will end your pain, but there is a better way, that will help you with the pain and be able to live on. From experience, I know that God can help anyone; he helped me when I was at my worst, and i’m finally in a good place. I pray that you will find God, and let him into your life. I pray that you will know God’s healing and comfort, that you will finally feel peace. “There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning.”- My absolute favourite bible verse (slightly modernised), it helps me through so much knowing that things will get better with the help of my saviour.
I hope that you find this peace and comfort without resorting to harming anyone. God Bless You.
My sweetest friend, we all go away in the end. You don’t choose it. When the moment of being able to look into your babies eyes when they tell you they love you, you need to put yourself in a spot that you feel no other human in this world. Oils interrupt. Now here is your reward, your challenge, your greatest gift. Ready? It’s yourself…because without you daddy, they would t know love. A fathers love is sacred. My father had no middle school, or high school education, he was raising me as a child in his 50s. He worked in the logging industries. Back breaking job. I would watch my father wAlk in everyday, looking sad, tired, shirt soles with sweat from his heD to his ankles. But when he heard me say daddy? It’s acted as if he didn’t even go to work, full of energy and ready to play with me u till the sun went down. My mother cheated on him for 40 years. When she was gone through the night, daddy was right there beside us. Cooking, playing, watching tv, trying to play Atari with us. When I became a man. My first love that I almost married, cheated on me with my life long beat friend. Talking about depression. When this woman was pregnant with my first son. I took care of her. Probably spoiled her. But it’s ok. That is what a man is suppose to do. Spoil your wife as if you would your child.
So, I came to my father hurt, angry, but mostly. Feeling like I lost everything I was trying for in my fathers shoes. I asked how he done it. Not to bring up religion, just trying to explain a heart warming situation with simplicity and honesty. He said to me that when everyone tortured gods son, how do you think he felt? But still…and most of all, he forgave. Forgiveness has been lost for a long while amongst this earth. Now look at how corrupted it’s becoming, but faster Nd faster everyday. Son, being able to forgive someone no matter whAt, you first have to forgive yourself. Forgive yourself for every wrong thing you have ever done. And you will see how much more at peace that not only will you be with yourself. But it be as if a sheild surrounded you and you became almost untouchable. It’s just that simple. Ok so I thought my dAd was a weirdo at times. But he had a sharp mind and a greAt memory. Ok young man, do not give up on those babies. If I had more time I could tell you some pretty amazing and pretty depressing things that has bring to your state of mind before. But rose up above it all. I became powerful with my mind, but with tools of my heart and soul to guide me because they where right where they needed to be. My heart wAs right, and my soul was pure. But my mind, like I said, willpower, determination, dedication, will as strong the army of Troy. It guided into greatness. I’m sorry you never knew your father. I can’t imagine that. But you can be to those babies. What you have always wanted to see. When you look back. I promise you, on that day, you will remember this message of this anonymous man sending out his heart to yours because he knows, that within you sir. Is fore no many men can stomp out but you. Just remember, that fire, is what’s keeping those babies warm, fed and clothed. God bless you, from underdog who rose up from the absolutes of nothing, and gained love of a child he can call his son. Just like you. God bless you and your path. But your journey is not done sir.
hi im sandeep im 30 years lady im trobling in my life financialy cricies happen in my life i dont know how can i full fill it so i decided to give up my life i dont want to live any more because people will not let me please some one help me for the same please
I felt this way at 25. I didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel at
my job so I decided to start making money online and through a network marketing business. Hope you find your way.
In life it is important to start living and stop existing. Whilst it is true that we only have one life, it is also true that we have a lifetime to do something incredible. “Nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit inside every man, than the idea of a secure future. It is important to have an ever changing horizon and a new sun.” Christopher Mcandless. The change starts with you. Only you can decide if it’s a failure. So give it a go and don’t stop until you find it.
A young man beginning to choose his path.
i really like that quote.. thanks buddy
sell everything move to the keys buy a flatboat and get your guide license and captains permit…. fly fishing clients pay $550.00 a day to fish the flats and a 200 day a year work schedule is average…. the sun the water the people and fishing isnt work its just fantastic!
Grow up, you sound like the most fortunate person in the world, with a good job, good money and able to provide for your family, Stop looking at the negatives and enjoy your time with your son and time off. So you have to deal with a bit of shit at work, even if your some free agent artist you would still have problems then this post would by crying about them. Change your attitude not your life….
It sounds to me that you have already woken up. Congratulations! The things you talk about – nature, animals, outdoors, simple living, helping others [most importantly] are all things that all humans should be embracing.
We have lost our way as a species and have replaced many of the basic human fundamentals with greedy and toxic ways of life, such as acquisition.
We are slowly waking up, and the more people that get there, the closer we come to enlightenment. I am so happy for you and I would say that I wish you luck, but now that you are awake I do not think that you will be needing that.
I will say have a great journey! š
Actually friends, we must look out for our own kind. Fear of the youth’s rapidly climbing intelligence in our day in age puts fear to the mind. Psychologically and pathologically surprising as it might seem, but they think they know what they are doing, I think a lot of us can vouch for corruption being seen more and more these days. I think if we put our attention on our children’s ways and that wisdom should be more valued than anything in this world. Slowly, we could change evolution. I wad never to say something was impossible. I don’t give up on a dream. When the ones that once laughed at you for following your heart, see you
I wanted to find what i really need in my life and come across this page and read your comments, every comments touch my soul and i even cried because i am in the same situation, i am lost and don’t know what to do in my life and the path to take. I did accounting studies and now i’m in my last year of economics and realize that this is not what i wanted, i choose this because four years ago it was like the subject to study in the country i live and now i will be finishing but I’m lost there are so many options and many people telling what we should be doing and not be doing, society want us to do a certain job et have a great lifestyle. I love to coach others and bring their greater version out of them, i love nature, animals and family, friends, simple life and thank God we are awakening in this universe so i’m happy seeing your comments because i don’t feel lonely. I’m 24yrs
hey gifty. im 23 and in a condition like yours. im indonesian. i cant really help you but after deep thinking i think i should do my own business- small buy and sell, distribution. then i will studying major that i really want to.. hope you will find yours..
thank you for your e-mail, this really touches me a lot, i will like to have more news about you!!
I’m finishing my last year in July this year…
What is your name ?
What about taking a course? You said that you like helping others so you could study to become some kind of counseller, or occupational therapist? You are obviously an intelligent woman and you would be able to relate to people and understand their feelings?
Have a look at night schools or degrees that interest you, and even if they don’t lead to a new career, at least you would be doing something for YOU and not anyone else and that would make you feel so much better.
Good luck š
Hello Lady Angler!
Don’t stress! Your situation can be fixed! I would recommend cutting back drastically on your spending. Save up for about 1 year’s worth of expenses and then get out of town! At that point you can spend some time relaxing and finding your true passion.
I personally need about $16,000 per year to live as a single person in Gainesville, Florida. Pretty much everyone out here lives with very little money and we’re pretty happy! Go back to the basics and stop keeping up with the Joneses. Downsize the apartment, the car, any extra money you may be spending on eating out and shopping. Once you’ve saved up, you’ll be ready to find your true path!
Remember, we’re all born with nothing and we’ll all die with nothing. Possessions don’t mean too much!
I hope this helped
This is what I really needed to see today. Thank you very much.
OMG this is what i needed to read today. I feel awfully lost in this world at this very moment. Thank you.
Good idea, i like your comment.
You are rite man š
i love ur last sentence were all born with nothing and well die with nothing
I would like to take it one step further, we are born with nothing and will die with nothing, but if we have a family we raised or helped be right we should think about them like ourselves.
A wise man will plant a tree under which he will never sit. Americans need to start thinking that way again. I am a homeschooling stay at home dad that surfs, paints, gardens for fun and is thinking about starting a farm not only for me but for friends, family, and future generations. I’ll die before I work in a cube-
Where does the money to run your household come from?
I also think about what you said, I am from the south myself and think free souls need to just get out of the city, if they can’t make the commute because the cities too big like NYC move. YOLO
LadyAngler, you’re not alone! A simple few words help me change my life – “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” I’ve just walked away from 24 years in law enforcement. This job was my life and it didn’t matter what happened to me, my job was always there. The only problem was this type of work wears you down to the point where you have nothing left. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough self respect to change and instead worried more about job security than my well being. I became ill two years ago and decided is was time to feel the fear and make some big changes. It’s not easy and some days I feel it would be easier to go back to what I know but I remember how the stress was killing me. Life is certainly more interest now and I’m more comfortable with change. All the best
please turn to jesus nothing else in this life will satisfy you, and you wont find happines. jesus is the answer cry out to him and surrender and you will see how your life will change. the devil has nothing to offer you but he just wants to destroy you and decite you with lies. but no matter what you do in life without God you wont find happines. i was in your position beofre until i gave up and surender to him and my he change my life completly , and now i wake up every morning with joy looking forward cus now i have something to live for
I am 33 years old and I can relate to you Ladyangler. I have lived my life the basic layout Also so far. I too feel like I am eating my life and live for the weekends. . it has been almost a year since your comment, would love to hear you progress. I am on the fence myself trying to break free and do something else with my life.
Happiness is within……
Those who find it ,,,,,,,,,,,,can live it……………
Hope you are next
WoW O_O , are you my soul mate? <3 . Loves nature, animals, fishing, outdoors, simple living, art, helping others and the ability to overcome many hard knocks in life and I'm 20. You are so awesome
Drop the fancy things and life, you don’t need it, only vendors and business owners need you to buy all these things, and to buy a new model every year, cause they need your money to run theirs businesses… There is no need to buy a fancy car, newest flat tv, bigger and better things, you will never get them all, it’s impossible and that’s fine. Life is not about living your fancy things, simpler life is a better life, because life is simple.
Please connect with me, I may have a way of helping you , would love to hear from you. stuart777cheung@gmail.com
Hello.I’ve been unemployed for three years. Depressed 46 yo male. Renting, credit card maxed out, single & lonely. I’m not a professional but was a supervisor with only 10 people under me & a good person/worker. No one gives me a go. Barely scraping money for bills. Won’t have the money soon to pay registration for my 1998 car. Every corner I turn is a wall & I don’t know what to do anymore. I try trusting in God as most people say. Unfortunately that is waning too. If not for my son & fear of God I would gladly end my life. I see no hope at all.
From my perspective you are winning, you have a job, a fancy car, big salary & so fort. I would rather be in your position right now. My soul is probably gone, my confidence is gone, & trust me when I stay I have been stripped & ripped inside me. Some nights I breakdown from the pain of my situation yet keep a staight face in front of everyone.
Goodluck to whatever you’re pursuing & better the devil you know in the workplace too.
Hey Roar68 if you are depressed please seek help at a clinic/with a counselor/friend/minister…it’s important to get out of your own head sometimes. It sounds like your circumstances are tough, but you have to keep trying. I have bipolar disorder and have experienced the soulless feeling- it is so crushing, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. I’m not sure what you end up doing on a daily basis, but maybe starting your days with a beautiful walk could help. I wish you the best. I once thought I’d only be a burden and a waste of a life, but I’ve been working as a flight attendant for the last six years, have many nieces and nephews to love and family and friends to connect with regularly. I wish for you the same and more. Take care!
I feel really bad when I here how depressed you are roar68. I think as well that you should seek some professionel help. I have had a deep depression once when I was younger (19, I am 22 years now) and I know one when I see one. I got help, but it took professionel help and medicin to do it, but you have to know that even though you hate you life, there is always something to live for, even though you don’t feel it now, talking from experience here, im not just talking I tried to commit suicide. But I got a secong chance and I had to look forward. But when you decide to live and belive in the good in life somehow you get pass it and see what life has to offer you. Im telling you, because I have been there and i can recognize what you write about breaking down and feeling that there is no hope. But there is, it just takes a little time and belief before it shows. I hope that you will get help and decide to live even though life is unbeareable. There is always hope. I wish happiness and the best for you.
I hope life has turned around for you after this last year. you have shown others who stop in here the importance of being financially stable. Running out and doing what you love whether it is becoming an artist, helping kids, etc is idealistic and could lead to struggles if all aspects of our life are not in order – relationships, personal health, etc. I have had a couple times of extended unemployment in my life and after a while I realized I either needed more education, or to do something – anything to shake myself out of my funk. if you are still in this situation, consider volunteering, joining a group or taking some sort of workshop for anything.
The things you listed that you love to do right away told me you would love living in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Because that is what you do here
WORLD WIDE DREAM BUILDERS
PLEASE!!! CHECK IT OUT. IT’S LIFE CHANGING!
I read your comment & teared up.. I hope things get better & go well with you.. After reading this article and questions I too am still trying to answer them & I’m 21.. I say go for what u want to do that makes you happy its YOUR life & you ONLY have one so live it up.. 50 is a beautiful age. I wish to stay alive to that age.
You have to look inside of you. Search the answer within self.
god…I’m going into finance and you just confirmed all my fears..
I hope everything worked out for you.
Secure your sons future, get it quick, but get it as honest as you can. Stop at nothing. His everything, should be your anything of good nature. Focus on him. Teach him wisdom in decision making. How was anything made? With 1 dream from one thought then blew up into many dreams and ect. Anyone who came from nothing has someone to appreciate for believing in them . Even if it where only themselves. Teach him to pay it forward. Daily. Want to see what you want in life? I’m sure your son will be more then happy to be right beside you through it all. Does the nice car help you two to connect as not only father and son on a daily drive, but as friends as we’ll? If so? Keep the car. See what in getting at? You’ve accomplished enough to know that wherever you go your skills could become valued in gaining it all back, if had to, or shall I say, wanted to š
YOU KNOW IAM AT THE AGE OF 24 AND IAM STRESSED BECOUSE I HAVE TO SUPPORT MY MOTHER AND WORK HARD TO PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT I CAN THAT I WILL THE SOCIETY IAM LIVING IN SAYS YOUR A HUMAN WHEN UR A RICH PERSON . GIVE ME YOUR LIFE AND TAKE MINE .
Although you seem to not be happy with it, I’d kill for any kind of salary, I’m almost 43 with a degree and a certificate and I’m still working for hourly pittance and have to punch a clock. Somehow I’ve never been able to break into the higher levels of the corporate world I work in and it depresses me to no end. Otherwise, I like my job OK, I have a nice office and a good amount of freedom, the people I work with are all very nice too, but I’m tired of working my butt off just to make slightly more than I did delivering pizza in college; I would love to be able to afford to go to the doctor again, or get my 10 year-old car fixed so that my family wouldn’t look so low-rent, or not have to dip into my savings at the end of each pay period because there’s not enough money to make it from week to week. In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have had three kids but then they’re the only thing I have that I’m really proud of in my life, so, you know, catch 22. Anyway, just remember, no matter how much you think your life sucks, there’s someone out there who’s worse off than you. Celebrate what good things you do have in your life while you can.
I think you will succeed.
Bless you.
(:
Hi LadyAngler,
I am where you’ve been a couple of years ago.
The only difference is that, like many out there, your professional achievements appear to me as my dream today. After my MBA programme in one of the most prestigious B-schools in the world, I could achieve everything I wish, but I hated the corporate culture and was missing my home. I finally decided to go back home to my old life, old mother, and the family life I used to enjoy. I was expecting that things were unchanged during my 4 years of living abroad. What a mistake!
On the contrary, I noticed that life has been flowing and moved far off during all these years that I was absent. I made a huge sacrifice to return for good reasons and, today, I feel like I am being deceived, betrayed and lost.
I was wondering how have you get on with your life and if you feel any better today.
Have a Merry Christmas and happy New Year ensemble.
Mehdi
Come to New Zealand, chill out, move to the south island, relax and just enjoy your life. Come start a crazy business with me.
Hi sir/ madam.. Would you like some people helping your business there?
I and some people here might be looking for a new start and me personally will take any prospect chances seriously with doing the best what i can.
Lady Angler. Choose happiness and all the things that make you happy will come dont be afraid of losing money etc-there are no happy people the universe will take care of you.
sorry I mean there are no happy poor people!
I can so relate to this and feel for you LadyAngler. I’m 45 yo. Just turned down a 100k job with a Big Corporation. Why you may ask……..because I simply cannot work in that environment anymore. Full of two faced, artificial assholes who will walk over your dead body to get on the next rung on the corporate ladder. Corporate “family” my ass. I’ve decided to get out while i still have my health. I’m selling my house to pay for a career change. I simply have no choice if I want to keep my mental health intact. I have some savings and no family ties so it’s now or never.
welcome to the club kid in 50 this year and I feel the same way. but I have a crap job with no prospects, no house a tiny car that I can’t afford but to counteract this I have depression, anxiety and self loathing
they say money can’t buy you happiness
but I would rather cry in a Ferrari than on a push bike, life sucks
Prayer works, I’ve heard this once, twice have I said this.. That God has put a hole in our heart, that only he can fill…
“love for nature, animals” + “fishing”…………………….. seems like a contradiction ms ‘LadyAngler’
You’re not alone, iam 43 year old native New Yorker playing this horrible game we call life .
Sick ofthe backstabbing co-workers and bosses and human rat race we have become.
Now unemployed and rethinking where we have been and how we got here.
I have been keeping my head high taking deep breaths and moving on there as to be something more.
Try to keep yoursef in touch with nature .
Reading about how we got here as a nation and a planet as help me and understanding How
I and I alone have allowed myself to get to this point has help me,
it hasn’t been easy but its coming along.
Don’t give up i haven’t , My MOM use to say in Italian when your down there is only one way to go and thats UP.
And trust me New york has become a shitty place to be.
Don’t ask why …ask how this has help me break the ice i hope you find your icebreaker .
All my Best š
Angelo
I think you can be positive and start doing things you like. Don’t give up on your job, as it is needed for the future, start saving as it will give you freedom. I hope as time passes you will certainly change your life. š
i felt like this too. so i moved away from all that. but i need to find a new career now too. hang in there and be sure to take time for you and your son. camping even if you take him out of school occasionally. i get it. i want it too. good luck to you.
Hey Ladyangler
I really feel or you and hope you find the light and follow it.
I moved something in me as I also make a very good salary, well respected, great car, lovely daughter who I seem to live for. Work is lots of talk and no action. I have the powers to change it I am told but still can’r change anything as old powers are still in the way. Long story.
So, I feel the engine has stopped, WHat can we do when we, the engine, has stopped. Remember an engine doesn’t just start up.
Sounds to me like you need to be in some sort of tourist venture that promotes your outdoor interests, a zoo or wildlife reserve worker, or perhaps a youth worker, animal shelter volunteer or worker, Less is a lot more !
wish you best of luck ….I just want to say one thing people can’t satisfied in their own life so I suggest you b happy that you are..always thanks to Allah ..He knows better than us…you are lucky that you have job
Hi Lady Angler, I am so sorry you are feeling this way.
Can you get rid of some of the stressful things in your life like the big cars, etc? Can you downsize to less things?
I hope you are well.
It’s never too late, my dear. I sincerely hope you find your calling. Godspeed!
Hello, well I guess it has been 3 years since you wrote this post and I am just seeing it now. Sometimes circumstances change a lot and sometimes a little. I would love to hear from you being 2016. Sending love your way
any news? how you been?
I hope you have found a solution. You sound like a person who has too good a heart to be in this corporate poison. And the fact that you’ve expressed your dislike for the greed and sleeze tells me your soul has not been corrupted, that is, you have a conscience. I wish I could help you but I’m in the same scenario. Be assured you’re not alone and we understand and empathize with you. I hope that gives you strength. Lots of love.
Lady Angle pls let me know if you have hit your target with your hobbies and wishes as I do have ditto liking about life and still unable to find myself in a mading crowd
Hi guys. I am 19 year old and i am doing my under graduation. I have a variety of interests in me. But I am in a situation where I should take over my family in 3 more years. I am comfortable with that. But the only thing I am confused about is I am simply sitting at home for past one and a half months and I literally dont know what to do to be productive and kill my time as well. I am not the type who wants slow growth and less money. I possess a kind of business mind which calculates productivity and profit in everything I do. still, sitting ideal kills me. My parents are wondering how did I become so lazy that either sleep or sit simply. I dont know whether the way I am is right or wrong. But somewhere in my heart I could feel that I am neither satisfied nor happy. I couldn’t see my family suffering even though its their job. I just wanna help my family but I stay confused almost all the time thinking what to do next. Can anybody tell me something that would bring clarity in me?
Oh honey, I’m so sorry. A lot of us did what you’ve done; we need to protect our family, etc.. I’m right behind you; trying to be ‘fearless’ at 41. I’m slowly trying to get into writing, without it affecting my current job until I can support my kid & I with my writing skills. I Know there’s something you LOVE to do, or have always wanted to try. Let’s go for it, what do we Really have to loose? Hope by this time next year you’ll be really Living š
Take the risk, sell the fancy car, downgrade the lifestyle for awhile, move somewhere cheaper if you can! Sounds like you should be living off the land somewhere with your interests.
I was in ur place, stayed in an aweful job 3 years because I was too scared to quit. I bit the bull on the ball and quit my job at the same time my husband quit his job too. Best decision ever. We had a month unemployed, before we found better work environments.
Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing.
wow you have a job and income you lucky bastard. i’m coming up 49, poor health and having to try and retrain at university, on zero buget (welfare). gf left when money from old business ran out, and i’m still paying for the kids what i can.
I know this post is old, but I feel the same way! I’m 41 and hate my job. Moving up the ladder and making more money was great…..so I thought. Now I feel like I’m stuck in a life I hate. I read so many things saying if you hate your job, quit. I’m married and have a 10 year old daughter. My wife works part time so I make most of the money. Own a house, page for 2 new vehicles and a trailer. Part of me wants to just get rid of everything, destroy my credit and start over, but I can’t do this to my daughter.
I hope you get this and can tell me if you took the plunge and went toward you love and passion.
I feel the same way im 42 in a good paying job. With backstabbing co- workers and hateful boss. Life is miserable i dread going to work and by the time i get home i cook and it is bed. I am trying to answer the questions and find where do i go from there to enjoy life instead of waking up miserable to work everyday.it is good to know im not only one.
I hope by now (5 years on) things have improved for you.
Check out the minimalists! And good luck x
It’s been 6 years and I hope your situation got better. If not, there will always be a chance/opportunity, I believe. I hope it will land soon and that you’ll grab it. š Wishes you all the best. The wheel will turn.
You know I just finished answering those questions and Iām 62 and I always think there has to be more in my life that I was supposed to do. I always say Iām pretty simple but I always think thereās probably something more I should have been doing. I really donāt want to throw up but I always think I should and I should have been something more than really kind of like a basic housewife. I am a hairdresser but I seem to have never really completed anything something always came up and I had to stop. Just recently I was working at home doing hair and I just simply loves it but then this virus came and of course I canāt work there anymore so now Iām home while my husband is working. I always think thereās something wrong and I donāt want for more than everyone says I ask is you donāt do anything with the things I do do I like but I always think they should be some more. I like to exercise I like my animals of course I love my familyI just donāt really seem to want for anything but I always think there must be something that I got to figure out I want more of. What are your thoughts on that? I also had to work on so many regrets in my life and if I honestly had to do it over again I would have done everything different especially with my children. So Iāve learned to except kind of my mistakes and do my best to move on for my family because I keep apologizing that doesnāt really do anything at all just annoys everybody I mean now theyāre in their 30s anyway thank God all is well.Iām going to blame it on being an only child but I just didnāt know how to be much of a man and I was always depressed I didnāt know which way I was going long story anyway let me know your thoughts.
You will get there mate,just by writing this proves that you are a fighter on the path to better things
I wonder how is your life going now Lady Angler. Please en light us.
thank you very much.. I wrote all the questions on my journal and I will answer the questions with all my heart… I think this will help me a lot to become who I wanna be and be what I wanna be,, =)…
I have never been able to find a way to move towards discovering myself till I asked the 6 questions to myself. I am really glad that this step has brought in the beginning of clarity into my life
Lets change this questions to : 1- Why im created ? , 2- What does the creator want from me ? , 3 – What happens after death ?, 4 – Is there really a hellfire and a paradise after death ?, 5 – What did the creator of everything do to guide me to his way ? – If you really find answers to this questions, you will be the happiest one on this earth, and you will feel how mature you’re.
1 – I was created to serve the creator, 2 – The creator wants from me my undying worship and gratitude, 3 – After death I will be judged for my actions on Earth, 4 – Maybe there is and maybe there isn’t, 5 – The creator guided me his way by putting people on Earth that have drilled this nonsense into my brain since birth. Thanks for the post, I’m changing my religion to undecided.