How do you enjoy life?

[Soulwings]

I've been having a hard time with that question. Jarrod posed it to me last night - "April, do you enjoy life?" and I had to answer no, not really. Lately I've been feeling like I'm just waiting. That's it. The small things - waiting for supper, waiting for shower, waiting for bed, waiting for my T appt, etc., etc. The big things - waiting to get out of college, waiting to get a job, waiting to go to grad school, etc., etc. How do you enjoy life when all you feel like you're doing is waiting?! (and feel free to give advice, encouragement, support, etc.)

So... here is a question for you, feel free to answer as it may give me some insight - and may also make you ponder for a bit. How do you enjoy life??

 

[FragileWinter]

Overall I don't enjoy life. I feel like I'm stuck in a cage created by the expectations of my family, society, my peers, etc. Every time I tell someone this, they tell me shallowly to get over it, because my life is so wonderful. That just makes things more frustrating because I want to tell them I can't. I don't talk to anyone in my real life. They just are rude and harmful.

The enjoyment I get in life comes from a few things. The first is when I can draw and write the way I want to, without persecution. I am a dark writer and people are always labeling me as disturbed because of it, but if I don't write darkly, I go nuts. Dark writing keeps me sane. I draw but it only helps me when I'm not insulted about my skill level (like currently in my art class). Another thing that helps is being with the one I love. When I'm with him I know I can be myself without fear. That means everything. It helps me. Just being with him helps me to feel better. It's a great feeling.

So, there's my story. I hope that helps you out a little.

 

[Bellicus]

I don't really enjoy life. I just live, and see nothing in the world that makes sense.

 

[Alive again]

I know exactly what you mean about how do you enjoy life, but it reminds me of a time when I was challenge about joy and did a word study in the Bible about Joy and was so surprised to find out the joy and happiness are totally different things. For me it is easiest to explain that joy is like peace in the midst of the storm, thus I learn how to have joy (a state of being) while depressed. Tis a good reminder for me. To be happy, I get out into nature or into the wind, or deep into a good book-for a person who really isn't comfortable with herself, when I think aobut it, I find much more happiness in solitary activies than with others, as long as I am not bored or just sitting around. I find deep joy in making a difference in someone else's life!

 

[blessedmomof5]

Hi april, sorry but i can't help you with your question, but i felt a might help..


oh and i hate when people ask what do u do for fun? fun what fun?

 

[Soulwings]

Guess I'm not alone then. That helps, too, even though it's also a little saddening. s to Bellicus and Amaya. It's hard to enjoy life... maybe especially because of having bipolar.

...

Denise. I can answer that question - "what do you do for fun?" - with stuff that I used to enjoy, and still can get into, but lately it's not been so enjoyable. I guess I still find fun in some things, but overall it's just, well, blah.

...

Laurie, I know what you mean about joy. I've been learning that too. I think of happiness as a fleeting thing that I don't really need in this life, while joy is something that can only come with being a Christian - a peace that Jesus alone can bring.

...

I don't know what I enjoy in life. I like spending time with my husband, but lately it's just... well, back to the old "blah." It feels like all that we do is the same old stuff. Sad that after only 7 weeks a marriage can begin to feel like a routine. It's up to me to carry on the conversation since so often Jarrod doesn't know what to talk about, and it just happens that I talk little enough as it is, when I've got something to say, so it's doubly difficult to talk when it's up to me to think of something to talk about. (And yes, I guess it is possible to run out of things to talk about with a loved one...)

I enjoy reading, but that has gotten tainted this term with being required to read hundreds and hundreds of pages of textbooks. I like music, but it's so hard to get motivated enough to take out my violin (the only instrument I have at the apartment) and play - I love teaching but that hasn't happened in awhile, due to my only 2 students being busy until this Friday.

The only thing that really and truly always is enjoyable is writing. Whether it's poetry, a required paper/essay, in my journal, or to people online - I always enjoy that. Sadly, I can't always be writing. So...

 

[DoubtingThomas29]

I enjoy talking to pen pals on the internet, among other things, such as making money, it is fun to make money!

 

[Jeshu]

I've been having a hard time with that question. Jarrod posed it to me last night - "April, do you enjoy life?" and I had to answer no, not really. Lately I've been feeling like I'm just waiting. That's it. The small things - waiting for supper, waiting for shower, waiting for bed, waiting for my T appt, etc., etc. The big things - waiting to get out of college, waiting to get a job, waiting to go to grad school, etc., etc. How do you enjoy life when all you feel like you're doing is waiting?! (and feel free to give advice, encouragement, support, etc.)

So... here is a question for you, feel free to answer as it may give me some insight - and may also make you ponder for a bit. How do you enjoy life??

Experiencing loving truth brings me most Joy!


For a decade I hated my life, as I was imprisoned by misery and even sought to die for years to escape the Hell that is manic depression. I had one hope left - Jesus - and He has come, as I dared to ask and believe that Satan screaming like a idiot was a good sign, so I WAITED and WATCHED - until the lies gave way and truth started lighting-up my horizon.

If joy has left you, please leave despair, loneliness, fear and hope in truth - though you don't have it - but know that truth always overcomes lies in The End.

It took a long time but joy has come.

Jesus has healed my depression and instead gave me ability to be lowly as well as lofty - wonderful for in both my highs and low He is with me -

I finally decided to stop believing the lies I felt and heeded His loving truth instead - it didn't take long aftet that - they fight to hold-on truth hardly was never long - Jesus would come in no time.

The reason is that lies fight back. Hardly ever can you just leave them behind as they would have brought youy low. Prayer, in faith, love and hope would always bring them.

Now I find joy in all good Creation, including the things I used to dislike and fear. God made all wonderful, please remember you yourself as well! Loveable beloved is the Truth of anyone made by Him.

 

[bipolarbear]

While you are "waiting", reflect on what you waited on before, and how you acomplished it! It alway makes me feel good when I complete a task, especially one I struggle with at the time! Big ((( Hugs)))

 

[DoubtingThomas29]

Soulwings do you realize that the only reason you would possibly be unhappy is because of this chemical imbalance in your brain? I believe psychotherapy/talk therapy will help you to become happy. Would you believe people who are like mongoloids and have to be institutionized are happy, because they are provided for, and the care takers do what they can to keep them from being miserable in their condition? Happiness is a state of mind, a kind of brain washed farce of reality, we are all going to die someday, but most people are not bothered that everything they hope for work for and care about will one day die, becaused this state of mind of happiness, a type of brain washing really has successfully subdued their anxieties through successful stimulation really and general bull maneur pardon my french. I knew of a psychotherapist who got a killer to feel good about himself and be happy again, happiness is brainwashing really, and you need a little bit of that so you can go on and enjoy life, like normal healthy people. Take what I say with a grain of salt, only some of it is right, but do not underestimate the power of psychotherapy, it can pull you right out of feeling miserable and anxious, so you hang in there!

 

[Jeshu]

You know one thing I have really learned to enjoy!

See the wicked get their reward!

And the lost sinner receive grace!

WONDERFUL STUFF!!

 

[madison1101]

It is so easy to NOT enjoy life, but enjoyment is possible for me, if I try. I have a lot of enjoyable hobbies that I participate in, and I try to exercise as regularly as possible, when healthy.

Some of my enjoyable activities include:
crocheting
knitting,
woodcrafting,
skyping with my granddaughter,
journaling,
reading,
Bible study,
coupon clipping
working with people who are struggling, like in AA
cooking

I do not enjoy cleaning, but don't know too many people who do.

Have a great day.

Hugs,
Trish

 

[Soulwings]

I am going to see if I can come up with a list like you did, Madison, of things I enjoy doing... let's see...

- READING!!!
- writing poetry!!
- journaling
- spending time online, here or on LJ or FB
- spending time with Jarrod and friends&family
- playing instruments
- shopping for fun (as rarely as I get to do it - it's a special thing)
- helping people when I can, either online or IRL

I guess there are some things I enjoy, yes, but you are right - so easy to not enjoy life. I can enjoy moments of it, but still, as a whole, it doesn't seem very enjoyable. It is a gift from God, but one that can be transformed from something good and pure into something treacherous and unholy.

Oh, and I actually do enjoy cleaning, somewhat. It is relieving to know that the apartment is spick-and-span. Hehe. Just had to add that.

Thanks guys, for your responses so far. s