I feel like life is pointless. How can I find meaning in my life?
589 Answers
Moderated by Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Updated: Aug 3, 2020
HotChocolate2
on
Jun 22, 2019
...read more
That’s a good question! A lot of people these days place a lot of importance on ‘finding meaning’ in your life. I think what they’re really looking for is a feeling of satisfaction and a passionate drive that keeps them going every day. There’s no set ‘goal’ or ‘meaning’ in your life that has to be ‘found’ for you to achieved this, because that sort of drive comes from being happy with yourself and doing what you love!
How do I do that then, you might ask? Well, an easy way to start is to think about what you appreciate in your life right now. It could be your family, your friends, or just the fact that you are reading a book you like! Then try and explore whatever it is you enjoy doing. Maybe go to new places and meet new people, or make a bucket list of things you want to do! Setting positive goals for the future can be a great way to get out of a dump and make you feel better. Finally, if you’re really stuck and don’t know what to do, try talking to someone! You might get a fresh new perspective on your situation that you never thought about before. I hope this has been helpful. Please continue to post questions like this if you need help!
zwesterb
on
Jun 29, 2019
...read more
I understand where you're coming from because I've felt that way too. There have been times in my life where I felt like life was pointless. What I ended up discovering is that part of the reason I was feeling like life was pointless was because I was dealing with a little bit of depression that I hadn't gotten treated. It wasn't until a friend made me aware that it was worth seeking assistance that I even considered it. Once I sought professional assistance I got much better. As a result I was able to find meaning in my life. Have you thought about talking to someone professionally to let them know how you're feeling? They might be able to help you with discovering your purpose as well. It always helps to talk to someone else because two brains are more powerful than one.
ScratchAspiringPsychiatrist
on
Jul 20, 2019
...read more
Life is never pointless. Everybody serves a purpose. Even small things can make a huge difference and it is more than possible that you have already done that. When I thought my life was pointless, my friends and family told me how broken they would feel if I had killed myself, and I realized that my life meaning was making others happy with my presence. And if you don’t already make people happy by just being there, it would be by your accomplishments. Again, they can be small, but they make a big impact. I can assure you that your family and friends would be devastated if you left them.
BraveWings116
on
Jul 31, 2019
...read more
Finding meaning in life has been the goal of humankind since the beginning of time. Unfortunately, this is a rather difficult goal and a hard question to answer, because the meaning of life is different for every individual. However, I think that the best way to find your personal meaning is to do activities that you love and to be around other individuals that you enjoy. Getting out in the community and volunteering is often a great way to do this. Alternatively, trying to show kindness to others is one way of finding meaning in your life. It is often the smallest actions that can have the greatest impacts. For example, a smile or a kind word can mean the world to someone who is silently struggling with depression or who is lonely. I wish you luck with finding your meaning, but also would like to caution you that those who try too hard and too intensely to find their meaning may become overwhelmed and thus conclude that their life does not have meaning. So be kind to yourself as well, and realize that finding meaning in your life is a lifelong journey that never ends and that this meaning can be ever-changing.
MorganRayne
on
Aug 7, 2019
...read more
No one's life is pointless. We all have meaning and purpose. A great way to find meaning in your life is by helping others with the knowledge you possess from personal experiences. Someone else may be feeling the exact same way you may have felt with the same or similar situation. By opening up and empathizing with them, you help others cope and give hope that they are not alone in this. Compassion goes a long way. By simply listening or acknowledging someone else that is going through a rough time can make a world of a difference to them, thus proving that life is not pointless and you do having meaning in your life by helping others find the meaning in their life.
elizabethunter
on
Aug 28, 2019
...read more
it is hard to find I understand you. But there is. Trust me. There is some light in this world and maybe now you don't see it but is there and you eventually will see it. Probably you feel like you aren't worth it or that your life is pointless, but it is not. You are worth it. Trust me. Now, think about something that makes you happy. Whether that is some boy, or a girl, or even some friends. Someone or something can make your life amazing. Maybe start going to the gym or train some sports because that can help a lot. Start writing or drawing or whatever makes you feel happy. And when you feel sad just think about that thing and it will change your life. Believe me.
MarinaHelp
on
Sep 13, 2019
...read more
I have been in a similar situation before, and I understand how frustrating it feels to just go with the daily motions without actually enjoying life. I have found a few things have helped me get out of this cycle. 1) I took some time to identify my genuine interests. For example, I loved drawing as a child, so I decided to take that up as a hobby. Having hobbies gave me something to look forward to once in a while. 2) I looked for things that I am passionate about - things that made me feel SOMETHING. For example, I am passionate about animals, so put myself around them more, volunteered at a shelter, and found purpose in advocating for them. 3) I found meaning in the little things. Sometimes, although it is tough to do or see, I found that being more present in moments allowed me to find joy. For example, really enjoying spending time with my friends or family and making an effort to be present helped me find meaning in my friendships and connections with other people. Even taking time to talk to somebody in line at the grocery store/acknowledging other people's experiences helps.
I hope that this may help on your journey in finding meaning in life.
DonkeyThoughts
on
Nov 1, 2019
...read more
Just focus on being okay right now. Eventually, things will get better. Once things get better, everything can stabilize. And then you can focus on what you want your life to mean.
What does the meaning of life mean personally? Life means trying to make the most of what you are given. It also means doing your best to lift others up when you are in a position to do so.
The meaning of life is whatever you make of it, as long as it is positive and provides something good for the world. Be an example for everyone else, while also pursuing health.
wildghostmemories
on
Nov 1, 2019
...read more
Before I say anything I want you to know that you're life has value and worth even if you are feeling pointless and lost. I can imagine how difficult it must be to feel that way and I want you to know that it is not easy but also not uncommon to feel lost like that. Your meaning in life is personal to you, it can be as complex as solving a major math problem and saving the world or as simple as making sure your pets have food and coworkers hava a good day. Whatever brings you joy is worthy and meaningful.
FrostWire
on
Jan 9, 2020
...read more
When did living start feeling pointless? Are there actions other than self hurt that could possibly help your mood? If you could take a vacation in a woody area would you take time to help yourself clear your mind? I've taken time by the river in the past where i'm from. It helped me to focus and channel my negative energy by a positive energy that is similar to life itself. Imagining yourself like a rock, and water as life's grand challenges. We as humans can not actually be a rock; but metaphorically lets say we are. But water represents our every day problems that we as rocks can not fight because of the current. Can we choose what we are molded into? Is the answer No because we are rocks? If So; how can we compare and contrast what a human can do to what a rock can do? Understanding ourselves can have a better affect on our minds and even help us with taking on day by day stressful situations rite?
Thanks for reaching out to 7 Cups for support; and if there is a time to help a friend, we are here to help!
Do I have the right to feel depressed even if I'm privileged?
658 Answers
Is it normal to think about suicide everyday?
640 Answers
What should I do if I am feeling suicidal, but don't want to tell anyone?
616 Answers
Is it ok to always depend on this site when you feel down?
608 Answers
Why keep living, what's the use?
599 Answers
Is it normal to not want to get better?
595 Answers
Communities