OT-What is the big picture.....?

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Hi folks. This doesn't have anything to do with y2k, but I just wanted to get some input from you good people. Lately I've had lots of free time to think about the "Big Picture". You know what I mean. What's life really all about. Why do I get up every morning and trudge off to work? Why do I bother saving money? Why does it seem that the harder I try to get ahead the farther I fall behind? What do I have to look forward to besides death and taxes? Why do I walk around the house like a bored zombie looking and waiting for I don't know what? Why does the food I eat taste so bland? Why can't I be happy? What is happiness? Well I guess the closer I get to 40 the more things like this bother me.... My conclusion is that I'm going through a mid-life crises and will get over it....... Anyone else feeling the same way?

-- Plato (Okie_Rascal@yahoo.com), January 16, 2000

Answers

It doesn't go away.

-- none (none@none.com), January 16, 2000.

The best part of your life is ahead of you. (after 40)

You probably have a head cold. (Tylenol, vitamins and get some sleep)

You need to quit walking around the house. (Go outside)

Quit thinking so much. (You've already done a lot of that)

Go on a vacation to Cozumel, Mexico, go snorkeling, scuba if you can,

get some sun, look at the ocean quietly from your balcony, sip on a

bucket of cold, iced-down Coronas, pee several times and get some rest

for tomorrow. Put on a loose shirt, comfy shorts and sandals and take

it easy until tomorrow. Repeat as required. (Presidente Hotel is good)

Return to U.S. only when necessary.

Any more questions, please feel free to ask. This plan works for me.

-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), January 16, 2000.


Sure. I'm sure you know that many people go through the same thing. I went through it at 20... and at 30... and at 40... and I'm looking forward to going through it again at 50 (I'm getting better at it). At this point, I just figure that God's keeping me around for some reason (if only to serve as a bad example to others). As far as The Answer To Life, if I remember correctly, I think it's 42.

-- I'm Here, I'm There (I'm Everywhere@so.beware), January 16, 2000.

Dear Plato, one thing I forgot, after you get relaxed and start feeling better, start moving in the direction of getting a straw hat and some shades to wear while your doing the other stuff.

-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), January 16, 2000.

Yes, it can go away. You will come to accept, come to rejoice, come to give thanks. The Serenity prayer is more than a river in Egypt.

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), January 16, 2000.


Good morning Plato,

Join the club. Having pondered these thoughts you post, you are no different than many including me. I've tried everything under the sun. Booze, sex, drugs, materialism, and money have proven to be but vanity. They all hold interest for a while, but the same nagging empty feeling of the heart never is satisfied. The staggering work loads, outrageous taxes, and sinking feeling that something is desperately wrong with this nation as well as the fun marital difficulties work together to form a bleak outlook. I've come to the conclusion that the following is absolutely true.

[Isa 57:21] "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."

Having studied my life and how desperately miserable I've become, I see that I'm coveteous, self-centered, rotten wicked sinner. The only time there was peace in my heart is when I trusted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and studied my bible. Years later, having turned away from God to material things, I've found that there is no peace outside of a close walk with Christ. I sit here this morning wondering how messed up my heart is, and have decided to repent and return to God. My arrogance and pride and refusal to humble myself and repent has continued too long. Before you folks decide to flame me, look at your own heart and see where you stand before God. I'm just being honest with you, and finally with myself. Peace be unto you Plato.

-- trafficjam (road@construction.ahead), January 16, 2000.


God has replaced those feelings of "whats the use" for the most part, for me. I still think something big is around the corner, but have a lot daily to be happy about. A lot of farm chores get me outside and the farm animals usually make me laugh. Plus "I'd rather be 40 than pregnant" always works for me, a 47 year old soon to be grandmother!

-- morgan (bitbybit@eoni.com), January 16, 2000.

Yes, it's the unified field theory. All is one and all is God. This is not a myth or a fable or even wishful thinking. It's what is, the way of things. Move in that direction and it will move toward you...

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), January 16, 2000.

Nope, the feelings stay the same no matter the age. And the answer is "42".

-- justme (justme@myhouse.com), January 16, 2000.

What a spoiled brat. Get up and go do useful work for your community. There are many, many people confined to wheelchairs and hospital beds who could use a hand up (not a hand out). If you don't like working with people, volunteer your services to fix up homes or computers for the few agencies (Salvation Army!) who do useful things for the community without sucking it dry. Perhaps there is even a church or two who is doing useful work without fleecing the community. In any case, quit acting like the typical spoiled pale dead male who produces horrible "literature" that we are fed in our publik skools. You're too into yourself if you're having these problems. Time to reach out.

-- (hateyuppies@aol.com), January 16, 2000.


Geeze I'm the last one to answer this...but I can't help myself.

Spirituality is part of the mix in that it teaches you to get past yourself.

Look at what you wrote it contains the key, everything written is "I and me" centered. No judgment calls here, sometimes you need to focus on yourself. However you can't do that all the time and be happy.

If you focus on others and help others I guarantee you that you'll find some peace and happiness. Ask yourself what you want to do to improve the world a little, think of something and go do it.

It's magic and I swear it works every time.

-- Mabel Dodge (cynical@me.now), January 16, 2000.


Plato,

Here are some helpful links for your "de-pressurization" trip to Cozumel:

Continental Airlines

Pre sidente Inter-Continental Cozumel

Photo Tour of the Presidente Hotel

PS - Other posts above concerning your spiritual life are very right and also very appropriate.

-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), January 16, 2000.


Hey snooze button,

I just took the virtual tour and I was impressed.

It's all about balance and I've been good....so what did a trip like that run???

-- Mabel Dodge (cynical@me.now), January 16, 2000.


Thank you all for the wonderful answers to my questions! In response to ihateyuppies I would like to say that I do give to my community and have for many years. Not only does my work require it, but it is what I wanted to do with my life ever since I can remember. I think giving to much of yourself can eventually drag you down also.. Maybe this isn't so if your heart is really in it, but I don't know too many people who can give and give and give without some problems popping up from time to time. Thanks again.

-- Plato (Okie_Rascal@yahoo.com), January 16, 2000.

YO trafficjam,

GOOD on ya!

though you'll find it's both easier and harder the second (or third or whatever) time around.

Chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), January 16, 2000.



This is the last day of your life so far.

-- I'mSo (happy@prepped.com), January 16, 2000.

To those who want to fall in Love with Life again:

Life is in Love with *you* already -- Dive in!

To those who have forgotten how to dive in: To those who are trapped, suffocating inside of the little box of their own lives:

Just let it go. Just let it go. Let it go.

I personally would recommend that you become a Jesus Freak like me [Hey, it's good enough for Jane Fonda].

If you want some Spice in your life, check out the Brownville Revival in Pensacola Florida [It was good enough for Colin Powell]. I have an ex-Buddhist friend who calls it 'mass enlightenment'. As a true Christian I'd say *true* mass enlightenment is what Christianity was always really about. And it's coming again, all around the globe.

Forget Carpe Diem.

Let the **DAY** SEIZE *you*!

We Jesus Freaks believe that Life has a name. And He's the Lover of our Souls. Splash!

-- tim phronesia (phronesia@webtv.net), January 16, 2000.


Oops. That's the "Brownsville Revival" (with an "s") not Brownville.

-- tim phronesia (phronesia@webtv.net), January 16, 2000.

When you get my age, what you are going through is the good side of life. Wish I could experience those types of things again. I tell you old boy when you get up here you lose the one thing that has given to you the pleasure of life. When you can not take Viagra, and all other means have failed, then you got problems

-- Notforlong (Fsur@aol.com), January 16, 2000.

Hi,Plato,

Husband & I went through that about 4 years ago.We came to the conclusion that life is simply what YOU make it.So we have made lots of changes including the decision to leave behind the UK to the legislators & the rain.

By the way,have you noticed that major changes in life tend to happen approx.every seven years ?

-- Chris (griffen@globalnet.co.uk), January 16, 2000.


Oops. That's the "Brownsville Revival" (with an "s") not Brownville.

-- tim phronesia (phronesia@webtv.net), January 16, 2000.

PLato, two things...whenever life becomes incredibly boring for me, it means it is time for a change. Usually it's my job, sometimes it's change in location...once it was a change of spouse..heh. You can't be afraid to make these changes..they're important parts of life. It gives you a challenge, renewed vigor, excitement. It can also really screw you up, and sometimes THAT is interesting in itself. You don't have to keep chugging along when you're unhappy. I promise you it works...Plato...just thinking about it makes you feel better, doesn't it? Quit the job..throw caution to the wind..it's fun as hell...even if it does mess you up. You'd be amazed at how much progress I've made this way. (And once ended up almost destitute..which was at the very least interesting AND challenging..but depends on how far you wanna go to inject some fun into your life)

Another much less dangerous way...Make a few days a week designated "on monday we do this night".. Every Sunday we go out for breakfast and at 1pm we go to $1.50 bowling. Every Wednesday we make Italian meals and play the same stupid Italian favorites CD and sing along while we eat. (My kids LOVE this) Friday nights my husband and I play pool, nine ball...cut throat...sometimes we invite friends..and then we beat them and gloat about it. Monday is movie night, we rent something new or OLD, make popcorn and we all watch together. (Also a fav with the children). It's fun to have these things to look forward to. You have to make plans...fill your calendar with "stuff".

Both of these plans work equally well..and I'm sure you'll find one or the other will work for you. Let me know! I have a few more ways to screw up your life and have fun doing it up my sleeve. PS..stop saving money...why are you doing THAT for???

-- kritter (kritter@adelphia.net), January 16, 2000.


Plato:

This collection (most of it) is about the best advice you'll ever get! Once again I am chest-puffed-out, button-bustin' proud of my friends on this forum!

Jesus IS the answer, and all He requires is your sincere call for help.

Godspeed brother.

-- (Kurt.Borzel@gems8.gov.bc.ca), January 16, 2000.


kritter,

ROTFLMAO...I also took notes, heh heh.

-- Mabel Dodge (cynical@me.now), January 16, 2000.


Mabel, I'll swear it's true...the times in my life when I've been in a pickle were the most fun I've ever had. Digging myself out of holes is a skill I seem to excel at! I always ended up doing better than I was before. Life was meant to be fun...It never hurts to go a little crazy once in awhile!!

PS..I have a GREAT faith in God, and I'm sure I've put him through more trials then he's put me through...we have a great relationship, the Lord and I. He smiles at me, with all my quirkiness...and He knows I love Him for it.

-- kritter (kritter@adelphia.net), January 16, 2000.


Hi Mabel, A package from a travel agent is probably the best way to go. Last time down my wife and I booked it through American Express Travel. The piecemeal prices look high, but the package prices are reasonable. Shop around and be sure to stay somewhere that comes recommended by a friend or a reliable travel agent. If you go, be sure and get in the water everyday. Also, plan on naps and reading time during the heat of the day. It's best to stay in the air conditioned room during midday and out of the sun. Use lots of sun screen. Enjoy and relax.

-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), January 17, 2000.

I am a lurker on this forum, and have really been impressed with this discussion. Things like y2k truly do get people to think about the "big picture." I'm one of those kinds of people, too, Plato. (By the way, your screen name sure fits the discussion!) Your post made me think of something wise King Solomon wrote a couple of milenniums ago in the book of Ecclesiastes: "God has put eternity in the hearts of men." Now THAT's the big picture! Some people don't admit they have these thoughts. Some try to deny that they know God exists, but read Romans 1. Everyone knows it in their hearts. He is the one who created us and so He can give us true meaning. I don't know what your work is, Plato, but you can be sure He wants you to know it is meaningful. He has given you certain talents and abilities and wants you to use them for His glory. (Genesis 1:27-28) Kritter, it would be good for you to read Ecclesiastes. Solomon tried all of that. It didn't work. I am a homeschooling Mom of 8 (three grown, 5 still at home)and have been doing this "adventure" for 21 years (10 to go). There are days when I don't want to do it, but it only takes a few seconds for me to get back at it because I know WHY I'm doing it. The Lord, with whom I have a personal, vital relationship has called me to it. Wow! I also visit the women in the local jail a couple of times a week. Talk about a hum-drum existence! One passage we look at a lot is Ephesians 2:8-10. Look it up. It lets us know that we can only be "saved" (from hell which starts in this life...separation from God) by faith BUT it isn't something we can conjure up. It's not our work. It's a gift from Him. So when I didn't have it, I had to ask Him for it. He gave it to me. And now...the wonderful result is that I can be doing the things that He created me to do. He had them prepared for me. A few years ago, someone asked me, when I look back on my life, what was the favorite time of life. Most people in that group answered their college days. I was 40 at the time, I think (just turned 50 last week!), and I could honestly say that right then was my favorite time. I would say that now, the present is my favorite time of life. It just keeps getting better. I pray you will find the same excitement in life, even during the hum-drum days. It comes from having an intimate personal relationship with the One who made you, Jesus Christ. I hope you are still reading these posts!

-- Jerri Faris (farisubah@aol.com), January 17, 2000.

Chuck and Traffic Jam go guys.....I can relate. I appreciate your honesty TJ. I woke up this morning and thought about what I used to do when feeling burned/bummed out and I used to write. It helped. I am going to begin doing that again. Yesterday as I was doing a simple task, just washing refrigerator and listening to a CD, I began to just weep. Being I was on my knees, I did what I knew to do....TJ, just DO what you KNOW to do in your heart, He will do the rest.........Again, thanks for the honesty.

-- consumer (shh@aol.com), January 19, 2000.

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