I need some inspiration

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This topic has 6 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 11 months ago by Malcolm Cragg.

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November 11, 2013 at 8:09 pm #45160

V
Participant

Hello, everyone. I hope you all are doing well.

I’ve been stuck in a rut for the past decade, and I am desperately trying to overcome chronic depression. I am slowly but surely weaning off anti-anxiety medications for my panic attacks, and supplementing them with herbs as a safer option. This week I’m going to take a leap and go back to school, to pursue a degree and finally feel like I’m a contributing member to society. I admire those that are what I am not, and that is driven. I still am confused on what to study, and I feel ashamed about it because I am in my late twenties and I should have some inkling of my life’s purpose. What do you do when you’re lost? Are there any books that you would recommend? How did you discover your life’s passion? I want to be successful at something in my life, and not feel like I’m whiling my talents away on just being depressed or upset about things that I can control. I hear others say that one day, they experienced an epiphany….

Thanks for all the insight! 🙂

November 12, 2013 at 5:02 am #45166

Bobby
Participant

Hi V,

I am in a similar situation as you. I used to take a lot of depression meds and they really can take a toll on you. As far as inspiration it seems like you have already inspired your self by challenging your fears and doubts about yourself. Do not beat yourself up for the situation that you are in. Focus on the good things that you have in your life rather than focusing on what could be. You can only be one person and that person is you, you can only improve on future if you learn from your past and focus on what you can improve today. You are much stronger than you think. It takes a lot of guts to post your feelings on here. Admire the good things about yourself rather than others. Be positive as much as you can and take a look around and see all that is good in your life, no matter how big or small they may be. Love yourself and others will love you, trust yourself and others will trust you. Expose yourself to your fears little by little, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. Do not ever give up no matter what the situation. You can only go one direction and that is forward. Good luck to you I hope I was able to help you.
Best regards,
Bobby

November 12, 2013 at 4:22 pm #45195

V
Participant

Thanks, Bobby. I know it’s always hard to focus on the good things, especially when you compare yourself to others constantly. It’s a very debilitating quality to have. I hope you’re doing the same, and I wish you well on your journey 🙂

November 12, 2013 at 4:52 pm #45199

Carmel
Participant

Hello V,

Firstly, I have to say you are doing the best thing for you right now… and that is that you are actually doing something! Whether that be considering studying or just acknowledging to yourself that you need to make a change for the positive. Give yourself credit for that. Well done!

I have to say though that our ‘life purpose’ changes as we go through new life experiences and challenges. What our life purpose’ was in our 20’s evolves over the next decade to be something our 20 something self would not understand.
I am in my early 40’s and just completed an applied social sciences degree. Over the past few years I have spent a lot of time looking inwards… self analysing and understanding human nature. It has profoundly changed the way I look at life.

One of the most important lessons I have learnt is that people can be so hard on themselves but if we are kind to ourselves and understanding of our circumstances – (without judgement, only empathy), and allow ourselves space and time to heal – then all things become possible.

I believe for you right now, looking at increasing your knowledge through studying is in itself your current ‘life purpose’. Look to study something that resonates with you… whether it be history, the arts or even pottery. Don’t study something just because you think others will approve. You’re doing this for YOU, the most important and worthwhile person in your world!

And soon, whatever it is you end up doing… if it’s something that allows you to feel contentment then perhaps another ‘life purpose’ will slowly make itself known.

Nobody had all their answers. Its liberating when we can ask the questions and be ok with not knowing or understanding the answers. That’s when some of those answers will slowly reveal themselves.

Be well. Thank you for sharing.

November 13, 2013 at 11:11 am #45241

Anonymous
Inactive

Hey V,
You are doing so great just by being willing to reach out in a forum like this. So definitely give yourself credit for that. And it sounds like you are already taking some action by going back to school.
A LOT of the most brilliant people on this planet were still searching for their callings well into their 30’s, 40’s, and beyond!
Here’s the best advice I could offer you and this always helps me when I am lost in confusion and trying to figure out what I want to do.
Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.
That basically means the best way to find out what you want to do is to get out there and try out a few things. You can always change your mind and course correct later. Pick something, trust your decision, give it your all and then just know that if you don’t like it you can change it.
But just try to get out into the world taking action. Keep moving no matter what and be willing to make mistakes.
We are here supporting you!!
Big hug!
carla
P.S. Smile and see if ya start to feel better :)))

November 13, 2013 at 5:16 pm #45279

V
Participant

I can’t convey how much each and every response meant to me. I feel a sense of calmness and strength in this community, and it’s such a nice, enlightening buzz that it’s infectious. I wish you all well in your spiritual journeys. We’re all stronger than we know it, and our scars shape who we are as people. Thank you all so much.

November 15, 2013 at 12:59 am #45351
Malcolm Cragg
Participant
Hi,when I was in my late twenties,I too was very shy and scared in many situations,I too resorted to drugs to get over these times,they gave me confidence and power.But were short lived.I got into late education at night school.I worked hard at a subject I was already interested in,but also met many people there to socialist with afterwards.This gave me purpose and pride in myself.At the same time I took steps separately to confront my problems in group of skilled counsellors.I never looked back,met a partner,started a family and my life was transformed.But that was many years ago,today in my mid sixties,different issues jump out and upset my life,however I still fall back on the techniques that got me out of trouble.if I relax and get lazy something always pops up to trip me up.At present my 30 year old son is depressed and out of work,and I feel powerless to help,It seems I am better at sorting myself out than others,but I must trust that he will find his way,
- This reply was modified 10 years, 11 months ago by Malcolm Cragg. Reason: Punctuation
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