So I find myself pondering, like always, what’s the meaning to life?
Instead of embarking on this question alone. I feel the need to bring it up
and see what every one’s reflection on this issue. It really doesn’t even
have to be the meaning, but what keeps you here? What are your passions?
What drives you from the inside? What keeps you living, is it painting?
Reading? Writing? Poetry?
Tell you the truth, I really don’t have anything that keeps me here, no
real quest, and no real place to try and achieve anything.
-AnBro
Ironboots
Extreme Fanatic
Posts: 893 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 06:39 AM
Sex, and the quest for getting some.
Seriously, though (although that does rank high), I'm here because I'm
always looking to what tomorrow's like. If today sucks, then I think about
the next day, or the next year, when I could be on my own and so much
better off. (in my mind)
You never know what the next day will bring. That's why I'm still here.
____________________ Piggy's got the Conch!
Remy
Occasional Poster
Posts: 34 Registered: 29/4/2003 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 06:54 AM
Well, first and foremost I know that there're people who would be quite sad
if I wouldn't be around anymore. This fact alone would be enough to keep me
alive. But of course that's not all. I'd be lying if I said my life would
be happy sunshine every day. Just like everybody else I've got personal
problems and know of at least some of the problems people close to me have,
which is not pleasant at all and there are moments which all my cynism and
black humor can't help me to get over. What keeps me going then is either
the music I create then on my PC, the certainty that I've got people who
would be more than glad to help me deal with the situation (if I'd just let
them, something I can only get myself to do when there's no other
alternative - yes, I know it's stupid!) or the knowledge that ever now and
then there will be those rare moments in which you really feel that you're
alive and in which everything just seems to make sense and feels right.
Aside of that it's normally the little things I enjoy. I think it could be
all best summed up with a quote from one of my favorite cartoonists, John
Kovalic:
"Well, life's just life, whether you're into it or not. I mean,
obviously sometimes it sucks, but there's still a lot of amazing things out
there, whereever you look. The world's packed with potential and beautiful
contradictions (...) What's not to love about a universe this crazy and
weird and wonderful? It's full of family and friends and cars and music and
peanut butter cups. Those are all pretty incredible, you know! You have to
throw yourself into life! After all... what's the alternative?"
____________________ "A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of
nothing." - Oscar Wilde
Erishkigal
Member
Posts: 62 Registered: 5/10/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 07:08 AM
What keeps me here? Well, quite frankly, I'm fascinated with life. I feel
in awe of nature and the way things work. I am so incredibly honoured and
lucky to be here. But what actually keeps me here is my belief that after
this life, there is nothing, just blackness. I would like to experience and
elongate as much of life as possible before passing it up. Even when things
in my personal life are absolutely terrible I am still glad that I exist.
And that is what makes life meaningful for me.
____________________ Let viagra bring the magic back.
Tvileren
Occasional Poster
Posts: 38 Registered: 26/4/2003 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 07:15 AM
I don't know, I just am here. I don't look forward to tomorrow, I don't
have any interest in experiencing new things.
But the thing that keeps me here is that death is so well, Final. I think I
can as well be here the whole time since I don't got anything to lose.
____________________
Anonymous
Posts: 116 Registered: 14/4/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 07:21 AM
I agree the 'unknown' of life is a major part. This can be rewarding, but
with out a passion, or anything to really devote your time to (i.e.
Music/Performing) it seems as if that there wont be anything ‘unknown’.
Mainly due to the fact that I KNOW what I’m going to be doing tomorrow, the
same shit I’ve been doing for the past 19 years of my life. I guess I
answered my question. I need to go out and find something new. Either I
need a change, or life moves too slowly.
So, again what are your passions? Maybe I can look into myself from
ideas.
Oh and yeah, sex is one thing I like to live for.
-AnBro
Meranda_Jade
Fanatic
Posts: 511 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 08:01 AM
I think the question you're asking is "What are your passions in life?" Not
"What keeps you here?" but "What makes being here fun, interesting and
worthwhile?" or "How do you like to pass your time while you're here?"
Quite honestly, what always kept me here was close to what Remy said, the
people in my life would suffer if I decided to quit. That and I'm really
chicken because I don't actually know what will happen next, and I would
feel really stupid if I opted out and found it wasn't what I wanted. Not
that I'm afraid of death or dying, just that when it happens I will not be
deliberately the cause of it. I also would hate to miss out on anything
that will happen in this life. As far as the "good parts" go, the times in
life when I feel really alive and my blood is singing are when I'm having a
new adventure and experiencing new things. I just love it when my life is
like an action-adventure movie. Every new experience is savored. I love
grand things, the greatest romances, the most awesome sights, the most
mysterious puzzles. I love the little pleasures in life too, the warmth and
comfort of being wrapped in a quilt drinking hot chocolate while a storm
rages outside, a soothing herbal bath while reading a cheap paperback
romance novel, drinking gin and ginger ale while watching a tearjerker
movie (Yes, sometimes even extreme sadness can be a pleasure) . I love
being relaxed and happy, spending good moments with my family. I wouldn't
want to miss a single one of these things and many many more sensational
experiences. The good more than makes up for the bad. I guess you could say
my passion is life itself...
____________________
Erishkigal
Member
Posts: 62 Registered: 5/10/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 08:33 AM
Hmm... something I forgot to mention... the connections we make with other
people is part of what keeps me here. It is yet another thing I am
fascinated by (hey, so I'm still young). The idea that these living,
breathing organisms.... just bundles of muscle, tissue, veins and organs...
can make a real connection with us, make our lives worth living, have an
effect on our moods and society. Sometimes I look at my boyfriend and just
think, woah, this random person in the world has somehow come into contact
with me, I have met them by chance, and now they mean so much to me... it
makes me wonder how many other people there are out in the world that can
touch me like that, and how many others I too can touch.
This is starting to sound a little perverted, so I'll stop now.
____________________ Let viagra bring the magic back.
Meranda_Jade
Fanatic
Posts: 511 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 09:14 AM
Erishkigal, I know just what you mean.... it's not perverted, it makes a
lot of sense... good thoughts there..
____________________
Erishkigal
Member
Posts: 62 Registered: 5/10/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 20/5/2003 at 01:01 PM
Yay! Someone understands me.
Does that mean I no longer have an excuse to sit around moping and writing
bad poetry?
____________________ Let viagra bring the magic back.
REVENGE. I have a LOT of people to get even with and I'll be damned if
they get off easy just because I die first.
What makes it worthwhile, staying here, that is:
My husband, who's been my reason for fucking living since the day I
stumbled on him. I think of who I was before he came around and I wonder
how I ever made it as far as I did without him. Next comes my family,
because love 'em or hate 'em I can't leave 'em and sometimes...they're just
too much a source of entertainment to just toss behind for the big empty
enchilada.
What makes my life WORTH it: (sounds the same, but it's not..you know, like
the effort involved reminding myself to breath and not drive my car off a
bridge):
Again, my husband, and the cathartic release of art. There's nothing like
getting piss drunk in front of a canvas and waking up the next morning
covered in paint, with something really rad to hang on my wall.
Whenever I think that it's just not worth my time to keep on living, I
think of those three points. The love of my husband (can't take him with
me and if I can't have him no one can!), the potential to create a lot of
really bitchin stuff to hang on my walls and occasionally sell, and last
but not least, the fact that I have a long way to go on my shit list, and
momma didn't raise a quitter.
Besides, friends, there's a lot of surplus booze in this world, and it's my
civic responsibility to dispose as much of it as I possibly can. That, and
I haven't had that new fucking rad BLACK VODKA. Shit you not. It's black,
it's vodka, it's soooooo absolutely pretentious and uber-prickish that it
BELONGS IN MY BLOODSTREAM!
____________________ Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas.
Starlight
Extreme Fanatic
Posts: 618 Registered: 27/9/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 21/5/2003 at 12:45 AM
What keeps me here?
Stubbornness. If someone wants me off this planet, well I guess that's just
too bad for them. I'll go when it's my time, and not one second before.
Heck, I might even stay a little bit after it's my time, just to piss some
people off. *laughs insanely*
What makes it all worthwhile?
My husband. He's everything I could have ever dreamed I'd want in a mate,
and so very much more than I could ever explain in mere words. I love him
unconditionally, and I will love him for more than forever.
What are my passions?
Spending time with my husband, being around my kitty cats, writing,
listening to music, and continually learning new things.
Other things to stick around here for?
Well if you just sit in a parking lot for a few minutes before going in a
store or a shopping center, you'll very often see things that are much
better than television. (People are interesting to just watch and listen to
sometimes.)
____________________ "When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never
tried before." ~Mae West
Anonymous
Posts: 116 Registered: 14/4/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 21/5/2003 at 08:08 AM
So most of you hang around due to loved ones... What if you don't have shit
going for you... Is it really worth waiting for?
-AnBro.
Meranda_Jade
Fanatic
Posts: 511 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 21/5/2003 at 10:15 AM
So, if you don't have loved ones, if you're completely alone in the world,
and you can't find anything at all that gives you joy in living RIGHT
NOW... is it worth it to drudge through on a daily basis and keep yourself
going? YES. Because things in this world change at a moment's notice, and
anything can and does happen at any given time. It's worth it, because if
you quit, you just might miss the most amazing thing you've ever dreamt of
coming along. You have a whole life allotted to you for a reason, and some
moments can be frustrating, pointless, and deathly boring... but it's not
finished until it's finished, and during that lifetime, you get to have the
chance to have any of a number of incredible experiences. Experience...
that's what life is for. If you're in a rut, and not having any new
interesting happenings, and everything seems dull and wretched, put
yourself into a position where you have to have a new take on life. Make a
change. Pick up any old hobby, it might lead to something that becomes what
satisfies you for the rest of your life. Change jobs, leave everything
behind you and travel for a while. There's something out there that
inspires everyone... you just have to figure out what that is...
____________________
Erishkigal
Member
Posts: 62 Registered: 5/10/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 21/5/2003 at 12:18 PM
If this is any contribution to Meranda_Jades point, though I'm not sure if
it is...
Three years ago I decided I had nothing going for me and life was just a
pointless hole, basically. I tried to kill myself, but being the smart
person I am, I failed.
Since then - I have gained the 'loved one', I have picked up in school and
am heading for some damn good marks in my exams, I have made new friends, I
even got myself a job, I have been to some excellent gigs, I have been
introduced to some brilliant bands, I have picked up a new hobby,
etcetera.
Now, I'm not saying "Hang on in there, life is great". I have also been
betrayed by my friends, I've had some struggles with schoolwork, I am
currently in danger of losing my boyfriend, and I know for a fact that in
three months time we will have to split up for good. Hell, I'm still pretty
shabby at my new hobby.
After summer, I am returning to the place that was one of the main factors
in my decision to kill myself. But despite it all, I think I am stronger. I
am hoping I can beat the people that helped make my life hell back then.
And even if I fail. Even if I crash and burn with my exams. Even if I lose
my friends, have to leave my boyfriend, and I still dont improve at
my hobby, I will never ever try to kill myself again. When I am feeling
depressed, and again it seems like life isnt so 'peachy', its hard to tell
myself to remember that, but I have learnt so much and I have undergone
so many experiences. What I look forward to, what REALLY keeps me
here, are the ones to come.
____________________ Let viagra bring the magic back.
Excellent point darlin.
When I think my life sucks, I watch jerry springer or jenny jones. Then I
can see for myself what it is really truly like to be pathetic, miserable,
and retarded, thank whatever that I'm not like THEM, and then go on my
way.
And also I work in a mall, so every day I get a glimpse of just how rotten
my life could be. As long as I'm not THEM, I'm doing pretty fantastic.
____________________ Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas.
Nicholas
Member
Posts: 74 Registered: 17/3/2003 Status: Offline
posted on 22/5/2003 at 04:02 PM
I enjoy existing.
____________________ "Be neither a master nor a slave to pudding, for there is a time to gather,
and a time to cast pudding away"
Yeah, I do too. Unfortunately sometimes I feel like a donkey chasing a
carrot on a stick with a stupid little man on my back leading me on. Once
in a while I get a nip of the carrot and I'm like "Oooo man that IS good I
WANT that! I do!" and then I spend a long time goin "man this fuckin
blows, I just really wish I had that carrot and that stupid fat guy would
get off my friggin back". Then I get another taste of the good stuff and
start all over again.
Besides I can't die now. I haven't flashed axel rose while sitting on my
husband's shoulders and wearing my cowboyhat yet. And by axel rose I mean
axel rose with the original GNR lineup. Speaking of which, what is UP with
that freak with the bucket on his head playing keyboards?! I fear the
drugs have finally taken their irreversible effect *sigh*
____________________ Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas.
Comedian
Fanatic
Posts: 213 Registered: 31/12/1969 Status: Offline
posted on 23/5/2003 at 08:28 AM
Something Awful's Photoshop Phridays. Ho ho ho.
____________________ Make way for the bad guy!
MystryssRavynDarque
Extreme Fanatic
Posts: 648 Registered: 24/9/2002 Status: Offline
posted on 23/5/2003 at 10:23 AM
As to not start off with the actual question, I would like to say that life
is full of shit, you just have to make something pretty out of it. The job
may be disgusting, stinky, and you might want to puke, but in the end, all
of the time put into the dung may just be worth having spent the time in
the toilet. I wish to see every day through, to try to find just a sliver
of possible happiness out here. I surely have enough issues of mine, my
friends, and my families to deal with, but I always try to "Look on the
brighter side of life." Surely that doesn't sound "goth" to some because
it isn't cynical enough, but surely I know what is what. I don't see every
thing and every person to be a ray of sunshine, and I know that I cannot
trust all around me, including the non-human areas, but this is how I feel.
Every day I come home to someone who cares for me, who allows me to
express my feelings, and this may be the only good part of my day, but he
makes me happy, and I know I make him happy to by just being there. This
person is not actually here physically, but I can feel every good vibe that
might be if he were truly here with me. I also have a family that loves me
despite my "un-normalcy". I also have a sanctuary that I may have to click
to get to, but I find happiness among the cynical piles of thought. I have
allowed this to turn into a rant, and now I will try to wrap this up as
best as my simple mind can. You place the question "What's keeping you?"
before me, and I answer, perhaps you and everyone else may not like my
reply, but this is what is keeping me. Friends who I know care, family
that I know cares, and the chance of finding a tiny kernel of happiness in
the big pile of manure called "life".
____________________ "People always say what we are looking for is a meaning for life…I don't
think that's what we're looking for. I think what we're looking for is the
experience of being alive." -Joseph Campbell