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[–]hunterpua 22 points23 points24 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Are your good friends on similar paths? Maybe you feel alone because you're the only one you know that's improving to this extent. I know I've felt like that a few times.
[–]BijuuModo 8 points9 points10 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Yes! This is also a big part of the equation. I live in a city where everybody is extremely highly achieving but also very insular and rigid. I need to surround myself with more people doing similar things so I can have some community and support. Any advice on how you’ve overcome this in your life?
[–]hunterpua 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Well the people that are close to me nowadays are the ones who are on similar paths.
I used to try and drag along old friends but eventually learned that very few people have the actual desire to improve much so I only hang out with them occasionally these days.
I don't really know your situation but maybe you should stop trying to make it work with old friends who don't really work on themselves as much as you do and get new friends who are much more like-minded.
[–][deleted] 17 points18 points19 points 4 years ago (5 children) | Copy Link
I don't think you are necessarily depressed. May you have neglected the spiritual side of life and need to look more inwardly. I'll just drop some keywords: Philosophy, Meditation, Religion, spending time alone, Spirituality, setting some long term goals, reflection on your life, enjoying nature, finding out what you really want in life, spending more time with your family etc
[–]BijuuModo 8 points9 points10 points 4 years ago* (4 children) | Copy Link
Ironically, I work in a research lab that studies mindfulness and meditation. So I’m usually pretty good at being aware of my emotions and thoughts, and I’m usually a pretty happy person. I love philosophy and art and I use these things to reflect on my life regularly. But since I started working on myself more intensively I’m still struggling so much.
I will say my family lives 10 hours away, and I miss them a lot. And I’m not as used to contemplating my long term goals. My life has been pretty turbulent so I’ve always put a lot of effort into living well moment to moment. I recognize the need to figure out what I want my future to look like, but it just seems like such a lonely road and I’m having a hard time investing my heart into doing what I need to do to actualize that future.
It feels like I’m doing these things to fill a hole in myself, rather than doing these things to build up my life in a really holistic and healthy way. Almost like I’m playing house or something, or cosplaying a fulfilled person.
[–][deleted] 4 points5 points6 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Could it be that you suppress some important aspect of yourself without noticing it? E.g. imho a lot of new age guys suppress manly* traits like aggression, or the longing for freedom and dominance. They are doing it because of a twisted concept of harmony.
Try the following thought experiment: Image you could clone yourself into two people. One would take care of all your daily obligations, so that the second is free to do whatever he wants.
What would you make him do?
The answer will hint at what you miss in life.
*(assuming you are male)
[–]lookinformyglasses 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I loved this littile perspective you gave me
[–]HorusCok 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
" but it just seems like such a lonely road and I’m having a hard time investing my heart into doing what I need to do to actualize that future."
This is adulthood. Make your goals and work toward them. adjusting along the way. OR don't.
How old are you, if you dont mind me asking.
[–]alpacarocks 4 points5 points6 points 4 years ago* (0 children) | Copy Link
It happens when you are like at the peak of your success (something like that) or working on a dream but doesn't have anyone to share the experience.
It would be better if you join a group, organizations or do some volunteer work. Probably you'll meet new people you never expect.
Suprisingly, few of my friends today are those who I met when I did some volunteer work in a cultural center and in museums. Most of them are coming from different professions who are like lost lamb like me back then. I must say that it's nice to hear other's thoughts and perspective somehow.
I have a very small close circle of friends and I think you are doing just fine. It's just that not everybody have the same path and interest as you. You just gotta make some opportunity for yourself to meet them. No need to replace your old friends with new ones.
Analogy: Remember that the food do taste better if you share it to a person who likes the same kind of food.
[–]CocoBabeNYC 5 points6 points7 points 4 years ago (4 children) | Copy Link
Because you are trying to fix the external and not the internal where all problems lie. Working on yourself can include stuff like eating better, going to the gym, cleaning your apartment, etc. but it's the internal stuff of learning to like yourself, to respect yourself, to know who you are and what you stand for, to be your own best friend. That's what working on yourself should mean.
[–]BijuuModo 4 points5 points6 points 4 years ago* (3 children) | Copy Link
I think you’re right. All of these things are external. I genuinely do like myself and see value in who I am, but I think respecting myself when that respect means doing something another part of me might be avoidant of is hard for me. I also think I was raised in such a way that acts of service are a way to show my affection for people I care about, so I often prioritize other people even when that means I suffer. Definitely not logical/healthy. I think I’m going to find a therapist to help me work through that internal bit. Thanks!
[–]JamesSmith1200 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
You sound like a very bright young man who is on a good path. I think finding the right therapist to talk to will be very beneficial for you and offer you a lot of insight others can’t.
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
You need to find people who can truly confide in and be honest and authentic with. I suggest finding this in a relationship but also with close friends.
maybe join an entrepreneur group/club to meet like minded people.
You are following your own path, don't judge yourself based on external expectation or societal norms.
I think this is an Einstein quote "Do not strive to be a man of success, but rather a man of value"
[–]Casanova-Quinn 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I'd guess that even though you're doing self improvement, you're not doing it primarily for yourself, and that's why it feels unsatisfying. You may be subconsciously hoping that there will be a "payoff" of some kind, like impressing your friends and bedding women. And that's ok to want those things, but if it's the primary motivator then the whole process is going to feel like a chore, not a satisfying journey.
[–]raulonastool 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
You're body is telling you something. Listen to it. You may not be very passionate about your job and/or hobbies. Be open to trying new things and change up your routine. When you're doing something you're passionate about you'll get a childlike sense of wonder, joy and accomplishment from doing it. Write a list of stuff you LOVE to do. Not just like or kinda enjoy.... LOVE! For example, trying new restaurants with friends, watching sports, listening to music, reading sci-fi books, cooking, etc. Then ask yourself:
1) How often am I doing these things that I LOVE doing? 2) What can I do to be able to do these things more often?
That's a good staring point.
[–][deleted] 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Therapists have talked to me about working on realising my values in order to live a life directed at living those values. Do you know what your values are? And your identity?
[–]taisha2640 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I have the same experience as you. But I've accepted this feeling. I see it as the space within me that can hold other people is expanding. But that's akin to knowing hunger, and thus progressively becoming hungrier. But one day we will be able to lift so much for others, once the time comes.
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[–]hunterpua 22 points23 points24 points (2 children) | Copy Link
[–]BijuuModo 8 points9 points10 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]hunterpua 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 17 points18 points19 points (5 children) | Copy Link
[–]BijuuModo 8 points9 points10 points (4 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 4 points5 points6 points (1 child) | Copy Link
[–]lookinformyglasses 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]HorusCok 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]lookinformyglasses 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]alpacarocks 4 points5 points6 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]CocoBabeNYC 5 points6 points7 points (4 children) | Copy Link
[–]BijuuModo 4 points5 points6 points (3 children) | Copy Link
[–]JamesSmith1200 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]HorusCok 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]Casanova-Quinn 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]raulonastool 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–][deleted] 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
[–]taisha2640 0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link