What is your BIG reason to live, and what's your small reason to live?
When experiencing depression, it can be hard to see a reason to continue. Despite the crushing depths, there is often a shimmer of hope: something small, like your pets, your favourite food, or the hope of your favourite band releasing new music. For those who see them as menial, maybe there's something greater: re-finding your life's purpose, learning ways to fulfill your dreams, and finding it easier to be okay again.
I happen to have both, but when I'm at the hospital/doctor/psych facility, I always write my grand purpose: "To love and enjoy the process of writing." Meanwhile, I also live for the next time I have cream cheese rangoons.
So, in the aims of lifting each other up: what's your big reason to live (if you have one), and what's your small reason to live (once again, if you have one)? It's really difficult to find one, especially if nothing feels interesting at the moment. This might be your opportunity to be mindful, see if anything has changed, and react accordingly.
Big - my wife and kids.
Small - coffee
@Lemurian51611 Wow, Lemurian, what a beautiful and honest reflection. Thank you for creating this space—it’s warm, thoughtful, and so needed.
My big reason to live is to be a safe place for people. I want to help others feel less alone in this world—especially those who’ve been made to feel invisible or unlovable. That purpose pulls me back when I’m slipping.
My small reason? Honestly… the feeling of a soft hoodie fresh out of the dryer, the way a cold drink tastes after a walk, and those strangely healing moments when the sun hits your face just right. Also, the comfort of hearing a song I forgot I loved.
Even when life feels like too much, these tiny things remind me that I’m still here, and there’s still beauty hiding in the cracks.
Thanks for this reminder to pause and reflect—it helps more than you know. ❤️
@beautifulpookieman Thank you for the kind words 😊
Big: My friends and family. Specially my bestie, he's basically the reason I'm still sane.
Small: I'd say food, videogames, and specially music. Music is the one thing I enjoy about living.
@Lemurian51611
The big reason for me are certainly my kids. I know I have to live for them, no matter how unfair, rotten and lost this world may appear.
A new movie to see or a new song of my favourite artist can certainly make a good small reason.
Several years ago, when my both personal and professional life went really harsh, I kept telling myself I should be waiting to see "Top Gun: Maverick". When I finally watched it, it proved to be a story about me: about the dreams of youth, experiencing a serious loss and getting old, with all those idealistic ideas still inside.
Another small reason is waiting for another piece of "Dubai cake" to be delivered to a shop around. The cake is actually a tiramisu mixed with a layer of pistachio and sesame cream. I've tried it only once so far and it was delicious 😋
@jacek73 Wow, Dubai cake!!! I've never had dubai chocolate, but I actually like tiramisu now and that sounds GOOD.
