This is certainly an
interesting thread. Among many thoughts and implications (from MrDude and Enforcer), I sense the following:
-> Some musings of regret...
-> Some despair over the absence of any soulmate or intimate companion...
-> A determination to move forward in spite of the past and in spite of the opinions of others...
-> A belief that any personal actions should be acceptable as long as they do not hurt anyone...
-> An assertion that life is meaningless or pointless...
Omoshiroi, ne? <font size=-1>(Interesting, isn't it?)</font>
MrDude's seven questions are also interesting, but for myself, I can answer them all by stating my philosophy of living: I want to live my life so that I have minimized my regrets. That's it. When I am on my deathbed, I want to be able to say that I did the things I wanted to do and that I am content with the choices I have made. And I live each day with that in mind.
If someone told me I have just one year -- or one month -- or one week -- or one day -- left to live, I wouldn't live those days any differently than I am now. I have had a very
good life, and I am ready to meet my maker, whenever she calls -- today... tomorrow... 50 years from now... or whenever. No regrets.
This is not to say I haven't gone through tough times. I've been poor. I've been lonely. I've been anguished. But I wouldn't trade a minute of my life for anyone else's. And I look forward to each new day. I try to make my life and myself better -- but when I can't, I try to make someone else's life better. There is no better cure for one's own ills than to give of oneself to another, more desperate person. IMHO.
While you are young, you pretty much have to be focused on yourself -- struggling with self-identity, self-doubt -- even self-pity. This is normal. It's easy to be skeptical, critical, and cynical. Well, you just hope to muddle through and survive. And most people do. One you get past just surviving, you'll have better opportunities to pursue your dreams. Just don't ever forget your dreams.
I suppose this is enough soapboxing. I'm older than MrDude and Enforcer put together, so I have a lot of experience to look back on. Things
do begin to look better after a few decades.
In short, I suppose my assertions then are:
-> Life is an adventure or quest -- not a burden or a curse.
-> Life is shorter than you think.
-> Make the best of it.
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LovelyAngel
<font size=-1>
If you're already falling, you might as well try to fly.</font>