Have you ever noticed … some people live their life day to day (d2d), and seem to be just fine, while others live for a greater purpose or looking forward to something?
In the d2d group, there seems to be 2 categories. 1. Those just getting by, too busy handling the stress of the now, to look beyond. And 2. Those truly content, living in the now, knowing it will all work out. I suspect the majority of adults fall in category #1 and the majority of kids in #2.
I’m starting to wonder if the mid-life crisis, teenage angst, and post-high school/not wanting to or ready for college crises, come from the lack of purpose. As a 40-something, we’ve likely completed school, gotten married (maybe more than once), bought the house(s) and cars, had kid(s), and are then saying “now what?”. The teenagers may be asking all the existential questions- still on the order of, why?, what’s my purpose? And those getting out of high school, unclear of their future path, are in a similar situation… not knowing what’s next? what’s my purpose?
Some are able to find their purpose in their work, others in their religion or spirituality. For others its volunteering or other activities.
For example, for my hubby, it’s Boy Scouts and Boy Scout trips: planning, getting in shape for expeditions, buying equipment. He loves volunteering and the high adventure. This feeds his soul.
I’d love to be part of the first group — d2d part #2, totally content in the now, in the moment, fully appreciating my current reality. If I was truly there, then maybe that vision/future wouldnt be necessary. Since I’m flawed and human, I still sometimes re-live the past and worry about the future. I’m working on being content with the now, AND planning for the future.
Where am I going with this?… What’s your vision? Your goal(s)? Short term? Long term? What do you look forward to? What gets you out of bed? This future focus, helps us feel connected, in the now. Having answers to these questions might help avoid the crises.
katbeckman 