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Need to blow off steam. I feel like my life is utterly pointless.
2-16-2011 | JamesP81

Posted on 02/16/2011 9:31:50 AM PST by JamesP81

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To: JamesP81

What you are feeling is what most of us all feel from time to time. It is a perspective, a point of view that we fall into once in a while. And while it’s largely true that we as individuals are unlikely to effect any earth-shaking profound changes, as human beings it is our lot to first change ourselves; transform ourselves into the splendid person we desire to be. Then it is through touching the lives of others where we make our mark in the world. We plant seeds in all others we encounter. And when those seeds emerge strong and come into flower, then it’s through the cumulative efforts of the millions in the network we belong to that effect the real and profound change.

Take heart James, and know what your purpose here is, then don’t walk, run toward achieving it with everyone you see. When you can KNOW YOURSELF, that is the beginning of wisdom.


161 posted on 02/16/2011 11:11:01 AM PST by A Voice In The Darkness
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To: JamesP81
I am not posting this to judge you... I know how you feel... Been there... Just two weeks ago... Could probably get there again real easy if I don't keep my guard up. It is a deep hole from which climbing out can be a huge struggle.

A couple of things got me out of my most recent "down" episode... One was the fact that I (through three attempts) forced myself to watch the movie "The Road" - it is depressing as heck so, yes, it took me three tries. But then at the end, as the credits roll, the director placed an audio track that made me realize just how blessed I truly am (and we all truly are). I won't go into it here... I won't spoil it for others. But it truly made me look at things differently.

The second thing is the realization that I don't have to have my name connected to something big that changes the world. I can make a difference one person at a time. I've done it... I've extended a kind word and reassurance to someone, and had them come back to me a month later to tell me that I prevented their suicide by what I told them. I've verbally stumbled over an awkward situation when a child told me (while in front of her mother) that her "mommy and daddy don't live together anymore". I provided the child with the only words I knew to tell her (and I believe God put them in my head right then and there): "Sometimes people lose sight of what it was that caused them to fall in love and they need to go back and see if things really changed or if they just got bored, because true love survives boredom." Three weeks later, the mommy, daughter, and the daddy were in my office, and I had quite frankly forgotten the earlier exchange. I started seeing them in my business about every couple of weeks or so. About six months later, they came in with a gift for me, and I was dumbstruck - for I had no reason to expect anything from them. They looked at me, gave me a hug, and told me that what I had said to their daughter had saved their marriage... There is a sign at the nurses' station where my mother is undergoing cancer treatment. It says: To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. You stated that you used to go to nursing homes but that it no longer seems to be fulfilling... I think I know how you feel, because as I have gotten older nursing homes seem to be more depressing to me - perhaps because the residents aren't as far away from me age-wise as they used to be. BUT... we have to ask ourselves "Is this about me?" You know in your heart it is not... Go provide some comfort to those in need, and you will reap your reward over time...

You have identified yourself as a Christian, so I ask you: are you working to store up treasures here on earth, or are you working to store up your treasures in heaven? Why does it matter if you get recognition for what you see as "important" contributions to the world? That is the proverbial "15 minutes of fame." What do you consider to be "important" contributions? Sometimes we are looking to get our "name in lights" when the actual important work is not even something for which recognition is given - at least here on earth.

Forgive me if any of this comes across as being harsh, for that is not my intention... But I do believe it to be the truth.

Regards,
Raven6

162 posted on 02/16/2011 11:11:55 AM PST by Raven6 (The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either.)
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To: GUNGAGALUNGA

I know exactly how you feel.

Good luck man.


163 posted on 02/16/2011 11:18:10 AM PST by freepguy
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To: Raven6
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

Nice.
164 posted on 02/16/2011 11:20:32 AM PST by Girlene
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To: JamesP81

James, you are just an ordinary guy. It’s ok (in fact, it’s very liberating).

I became truly happy when I accepted my averageness and got busy living. It’s ok to not be the best, smartest, handsomest, coolest, etc. Just be.

Besides, all of your heroes were probably also just “ordinary guys”. They peed and pooped and ate and slept and laughed and cried and all had fears.

The desire to special and unique (not ordinary) is just your ego.


165 posted on 02/16/2011 11:21:29 AM PST by Retired Greyhound
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To: JamesP81

“I have never wanted to be normal or ordinary. . . . I am running out of time to avoid being just another guy.”

Firstly, don’t take what I am going to say as a slam. I am 52 and want to be helpful. What I quoted above from you suggests a narcissistic tendency in your outlook. (That’s not just you - it’s pandemic these days!) Your primary focus in life seems to be on comparing yourself to everyone else, with an anxious need to be regarded as extra-extraordinary in your uniqueness.

Each of us is unique, but what really counts is that you DO work every day to support yourself and avoid being dependent on others - that alone is a worthwhile achievement. When you choose a spouse (wisely!) and begin to support children, your sense of purpose and worth will increase manifold. You can trust in that.

Hang in there, look forward and outward, and give yourself a break. 29 years is still youth in today’s world. You’re just about to come into your own as an adult.


166 posted on 02/16/2011 11:23:32 AM PST by HalleysFifth
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To: JamesP81

Do not focus on being “great”, focus on being good. I don’t mean good in a perfectionistic sense and neither in a slacker “just good enough” sense. But if you have some unrealistic ideal of greatness, you will miss greatness and goodness as well.

And modern Christianity focuses too much on our inner state and how “spiritual” we are supposed to feel. Think more about how faithful Christ is and what He has done for you. If you focus on yourself and the faith you feel, if you are honest you will be discouraged. It is good you despair in yourself. Even our best greatness is empty. You can use your despair to focus on Christ. Don’t let your Godly despair turn into a godless despair. I was in your situation for many years and still often struggle.


167 posted on 02/16/2011 11:27:39 AM PST by Wilhelm Tell (True or False? This is not a tag line.)
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To: Raven6

I got the same about a week ago.

A kind friend said the same to me. I’m not even sure I remember what I said to her.

Her husband was cheating on her and she had two little kids to raise. She said that because of what I told her she felt that she had the strength to carry on in her life. Months after the fact.

So yeah, ONE WORD at the right time can make all the difference in the world in somebody’s life!


168 posted on 02/16/2011 11:29:27 AM PST by BenKenobi (Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong. - Silent Cal)
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To: Soothesayer

“My lack of faith dooms me to hell. By the time I find out that there is any hope...there won’t be any.”

Ya might want to err on the safe side.


169 posted on 02/16/2011 11:38:22 AM PST by saleman (!!!!)
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To: Soothesayer
Oh, Soothesayer...

I will say a prayer for you as well. There is good in living and I pray that you find it and that you find the Lord.

I don't say this to aggravate; I say it because I care.

170 posted on 02/16/2011 11:39:15 AM PST by Allegra (Hey! Stop looking at my tagline like that.)
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To: JamesP81

Watch “It’s a wonderful life”.


171 posted on 02/16/2011 11:52:02 AM PST by Hacksaw (Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy” — H.L. Mencken)
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To: JamesP81
Go home tonight. Lie down and set a timer for 20 minutes. Then ask yourself what it is you want to do or what would be fun. Then listen. Don't take “I don't know” for an answer.
172 posted on 02/16/2011 11:54:24 AM PST by Vision ("Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40)
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To: who knows what evil?

My cat and dog hate it too! And they’re rescue pets too! Good for you. God will reward I’m sure.


173 posted on 02/16/2011 11:57:43 AM PST by miss marmelstein
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To: bvw

I just didn’t understand it. I hadn’t addressed you and so I was confused. I take it from later posts you’re not too sympathetic to the young man.


174 posted on 02/16/2011 12:00:36 PM PST by miss marmelstein
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To: JamesP81
Do you realize you are living on the planet with these incredible people? I opened this link expecting you to be excoriated but these wonderful Freepers want to help you.
175 posted on 02/16/2011 12:01:37 PM PST by PROTESTBYPROXY (We are manning up!!)
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To: JamesP81

Here is the Marine Prayer:

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

____________________
Even if you aren’t a Marine, the prayer can be said to cover your situation. (My son is a Marine and I said the prayer every day that he was gone.) The last line, “Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer,” allows me to see that the answer to my prayer is either “here” or on the way and that I need to “wait upon the Lord” until I can see it. God is always available to us when we look to Him.

God bless you!


176 posted on 02/16/2011 12:07:16 PM PST by credo 2
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To: JamesP81

Ping for later response. Hang in there James.


177 posted on 02/16/2011 12:08:48 PM PST by ponygirl
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To: ZX12R

Your post made me LOL :o)


178 posted on 02/16/2011 12:10:57 PM PST by ponygirl
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To: credo 2

Ping for later reading.


179 posted on 02/16/2011 12:12:08 PM PST by JusPasenThru (Why won't those knuckle-dragging tea-bagging right-wing bastards just negotiate with me?)
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To: JamesP81

I agree with everyone who thinks you might be unknowingly experiencing depression. It’s like going around with an infected tooth; you had no idea such a thing could make you so sick. But there’s help for both, amazing help, and you can get it today.

It also sounds like you’re indifferent to your job. So figure out what you want to do. Take a support job or intern for a few months at an architect’s office, for example, if you have even the slightest inclination in that direction. If it’s not for you, try something else.

People say “you are not your job,” but it’s a huge blessing in this life to love what you do for a living. You spend most of your waking hours at it, after all. “Whatever you put your hand to do, do it with all your might,” as the prophet said in Ecclesiastes.

I hope for good things and the peace that passes understanding for you, very soon!


180 posted on 02/16/2011 12:12:49 PM PST by Blue Ink
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