I feel like life is pointless. How can I find meaning in my life?
308 Answers
Moderated by Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Updated: Aug 3, 2020
ZachariahAtteberry
on
Feb 24, 2016
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I am sure we all have had that moment in life that we have spiraled down into a crypt of depression so deep that we forgot which way is up. We lose all light that used to make our life seem bright, alert, happy. It is often times like a snowball where life seems to get more pointless with each passing day when you are trapped in this state. I understand fully what it is like to ponder about the future and what it could bring to us and if it would be of any considerable value. And the thing is... no one knows what life will bring to us tomorrow. But I have found that by setting goals... even little ones and doing any small goal helps. And even something like donating to a humane society or completing a goal of running 1 mile when your goal is to reach 5 eventually. Life is an adventure... and it is common not to see what you want to be or want to do when you haven't explored everything yet. Finding meaning in life is less about being rich and becoming king of the hill and more about finding something that helps others and yourself. When you find what you are meant to be doing, work starts to feel less like work and more like a call to action.
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wishfulDreamer58
on
Oct 14, 2016
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I found myself lost just like you many times and then I found myself back again! You see what I mean? It's great to be lost in life because it makes you question all those things that don't make sense in your life. It's certainly not a great feeling to be standing at the crossroads, but I can assure you that it will lead you to a better place. Many people don`t even know that they are lost, they simply do the things the world, society and the media tell them to do; in other words a lot of us are brainwashed. Sorry to say this, but I am happy for you in a way because you are questioning life. Soon, with the help of experiences, in your own way you will find answers too. Because, it is YOU who knows best what will make you happy. What makes you happy...ask that question everyday. Write what comes to your mind the very instant. Don`t judge or analyze what your mind is telling you. Just write. Maybe cooking makes you happy, or maybe just slowing down a little makes you happy. Nobody knows that but YOU. I keep a journal now, I write all that my mind jabbers to me through the day. Guess what...it is from that very same jabbering, I get my answers. Our mind is so quick in thoughts that if you don`t rely on it, you will lose some very resourceful answers and thoughts. So start off by writing it all down. Remember it is a journey, you will not find answers to your question overnight through some magical Genie. So be compassionate with yourself, give yourself time and then slowly with time, you`ll know what makes you happy and how you can make a meaning of your life. Don`t forget to enjoy the journey because it is these ups and downs that create a beautiful, fruitful life. God bless!! :)
IAmMacha
on
Jun 18, 2015
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One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other. Repeat till fade.
Anonymous
on
Mar 22, 2015
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Do what you want to do, don't think what others expect of you. When you just do what you want, and have fun, everything will mean something, because every moment of happiness has a point of being there. :)
Laynz
on
Apr 3, 2015
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Set goals. It may seem hard when life seems pointless but setting goals helps give your life orientation. Even just a small goal that's really short term can help. You can build up to bigger goals later on!
Anonymous
on
Apr 1, 2015
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Life can definitely feel dark and pointless at times. Find something, anything you love. An activity, a goal, a friend, a pet, a hobby, an education. Whatever you have chosen focus as much time as you can on it. I hope this helps.
RainbowTrie
on
Feb 13, 2016
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First, this is a symptom of depression and you should be evaluated by a professional.
Second, many people find meaning in creating (art, writing, music, etc.) or caring for others ( kids, elders, plants, pets, shelter animals, etc.) . Perhaps you could try something like that in the meantime.
You might even find meaning in supporting others here on 7cups. Best wishes to you.
tarrycastle9053
on
Feb 13, 2016
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Any rational man would say Life is Pointless, Nothing Really Matters and There is no purpose in life. But it takes a wise man to know that meaning comes within. You have to find your own meaning by doing creative work.
Avi001
on
Sep 21, 2015
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You are alive, talking, living, and wanted. Everything has a dark side and a bright side, you just have to find it. Success is born from many failures. Use the bad as motivation to have a meaningful life. Get out of the house, go to a park, enjoy the day. And keep smiling because its contagious :)
mimo29
on
Jan 12, 2015
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One thing I can suggest is taking up new activities. You might try learn a new sport, or volunteer your time somewhere. It's hard to feel low about your life when you're making other people's lives happier. I do caution not to just avoid the problem by keeping yourself overly busy, however. Always keep a check on your moods and slowly, hopefully, you'll find your way out of the darkness.
SweetMango111
on
Oct 1, 2016
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There is a purpose for everything. Your life has had meaning before you were born, you just haven't found the answer yet because everyone has a different path, and different answers. A problem can be solved in many ways. Initially, Life itself is very complex and confusing. We cannot fully comprehend the complexity of how life works and yet it does. Its the same as, how we do not know how our thyroid gland works, but it works. It is something which happens by itself, and when you do not interfere or try to solve the ''issue'' of why and how, but instead let it happen and to let the experience flow through you and enjoy the moment because. after all, the present moment is that exists and will forever exist. In the Chinese language, the word for nature is ''ziran'', which translates to, '' that of which will happen by itself''. The flower does not need to be told how to grow, it happens by itself. Just as the clouds and seas do not need to be told how to be or how to form, it just is, being the true nature of itself. The same as nature happens by itself, so will we also manage to - so to say - find ourselves. We are also part of nature, important not to forget that. Let the experiences flow through you, live in the present moment doing what your heart desires and eventually one day, you will realise that all the answers to life are in fact, with in everyone of us.
Freebirdie
on
Apr 21, 2016
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Your enitre body is right now working so that you can live. You are alive and that's the biggest proof that you are yet to find purpose of your life and accomplish it. Find meaning of life in yourself and the world. Life is pointless if you just exist and don't live. Life's really simple, it's just not easy. You have to put effort to find meaning.
braveNight89
on
Mar 2, 2016
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To find meaning in life is to find the things that make you tick. Find the things that make you happy. For me personally I still have days I feel like life is pointless.. that I have no reason to live... and then I do something I love... I sing.. or draw.. or paint.. or run. I do something that I love. Because that is what makes me tick. That is part of the meaning of my life, to find the things that make me happy and be able to share my happiness with the others in my life or that I meet and make them happy. Happiness is the meaning of my life and making others smile is the cherry on top, the best part of my day is making someone else smile. Find something that makes you happy, it might help you lead to the meaning of your life. :)
yurannus
on
Sep 14, 2015
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i mean dont take anything seriously just do what you want act like you are in a movie and you are just an actor have fun and go your own way nothing is real its just a movie dont worry about it too much
Sunset316
on
Feb 8, 2015
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Find the little things that you can actually hold on to. Try to find joy in what you do. What do you enjoy doing? It can be anything. For example: painting or cooking or jogging. Finding happiness and hope is the first step to having a smile on your face.
youarehere
on
Feb 16, 2017
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You will find meaning in your life if you give meaning to other people's lives. Use the skills or knowledge you have to help or support others. The reward will be great.
HighwayOfHope
on
Jun 16, 2017
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Feeling like you have no meaning in life can make you feel confused, and worthless. Every person has a different meaning in life, and everyone has a meaning, however it may not always be very obvious. One way you could try to find your meaning is by doing things that can help you build a sense of self, and guide you to self discovery. Find out what you are passionate about, what you are good at, and what you like to do. Aim to find out more about yourself, and try out new things. You never know what you can learn about yourself, and I would encourage you to try to engage in "experiential" type learning. Meaning, go and experiment with your life, try things out, and find out who you are. If you feel like you need some additional support with trying things, or help with taking the first step, remember that resources and help is available, and you can always look into those options as well. I wish you the best, and hope you can get through these unpleasant feelings.
I wish you luck!
Anonymous
on
Mar 2, 2016
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Find what you really love, the little things in life, like curling up next to a fire with a good book, or stargazing. There are many beautiful things in this world for you to see, you just need to look.
Anonymous
on
Mar 2, 2017
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You don't realize how small you are until it happens. I've been there before, but I realized one important thing. The world is a giant place. There is so much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet, and so many animals to encounter. Go out and try something new. It takes some self-courage, but believe me, it's worth it. You'll meet new people, try new things, learn so much about yourself, and figure out that the world is your playground. Take that first small step - go out and take a walk around the park, go for a bike ride. Don't worry about time or destination - go wherever you feel.
Thegreenarrow
on
Jun 4, 2017
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We have all stumbled upon some one and made them halt for a second while walking on the sidewalk or crossing the road or something. Though it seems like a trivial and inconsequential thing to happen, imagine this, by stopping them on their tracks for one second, you have actually saved them from a car that would have killed them while crossing a few minutes later. Neither that person nor you realise it. And you both just go about your ordinary life without a care in the world. That is just one example. None of our lives are ever pointless. We all have some goal. Most of us might fullfil it without even realising but none of our lives are pointless. If not now in the the future we will know our part in this world. So stay happy and optimistic and keep searching for it. Rest assured you will find it.
