Anonymous wrote:I don't know if I enjoy life, but I find it to be meaningful

I enjoy more about life than I do not enjoy, I think that helps. My career is super busy and engaging (more often than not), we surround myself with good, interesting, accomplished, positive people with whom we have a lot in common (including ambitions, goals and achievements, past and present); our nuclear family and extended families are not perfect (as are no one's), and we have our complaints - but the good far out weighs the bad. We have so much to be grateful for, and have gone through so many losses, it keeps matters in perspective. Simple pleasure do add up.

So yeah, I enjoy life. I feel bad for people who do not, but I honestly do not know how to help them. I do feel that there are more unhappy people in this area, than happy, it probably has to do with control issues, who knows.

Yes! I’m grateful every day. I learned from my parents. They loved life and it was infectious.

There were highs and lows, but family was there for each other through those lows.

I try to keep a positive outlook and no matter how bleak things get, I can always find something I’m thankful for.

Anonymous wrote:I have happiness in my personal life. I have not had too much pleasure in my life because I work hard everyday.

Happiness is understated, internal and durable, Pleasure is flashy, external and momentary.

Happiness is the result of constant work and doing the right thing, Pleasure is a promise that is hollow and can be achieved without work and usually without doing right things.

You sound just like me. Haven't been on a date in 15 years

Anonymous wrote:I enjoy and appreciate life a great deal, but my kids have their struggles and when they are suffering, it’s very hard for me to enjoy life. I become all-consumed with worry. When they are okay, I’m okay. I’m working on taking one day at a time and finding ways to manage that stress - it’s better for my kids if I do.

And that is totally understandable as your children are an integral part of your community and of course when you feel they are suffering you suffer. You were a child once and you got through it. With you as a mom your children will get through it too.

I have happiness in my personal life. I have not had too much pleasure in my life because I work hard everyday.

Happiness is understated, internal and durable, Pleasure is flashy, external and momentary.

Happiness is the result of constant work and doing the right thing, Pleasure is a promise that is hollow and can be achieved without work and usually without doing right things.

Anonymous wrote:No. I lost my husband 2 months ago. I’m sick of COVID, Trump, and everything having to be politically correct. I’m just tired of it all. I miss my old life.

So sorry OP. It will get better promise.

I enjoy and appreciate life a great deal, but my kids have their struggles and when they are suffering, it’s very hard for me to enjoy life. I become all-consumed with worry. When they are okay, I’m okay. I’m working on taking one day at a time and finding ways to manage that stress - it’s better for my kids if I do.

I’m honestly surprised by these responses. My life isn’t easy, but as a whole, yes I enjoy it very much. I have diseases, family issues, money problems, and more, but I love life every day. No one’s life is easy. But there’s so much to be thankful for. I love my family, friends, walks, trips, pets, home, tea, baths, books, painting, music, food, hugs, rain, I could truly go on. There is bad in the world of course, but also such beauty. I wish I could hug all of you who think otherwise. xo

I mostly enjoy life. Lots of bad news these days and this past year has obviously been pretty depressing. But I think if you have some kind of community (family, friends, neighbors) it really makes a difference. And I know that not everybody has that. But I do take joy in the mundane and try to "stop and smell the roses" when possible. I am grateful I have a roof over my head. Yes I enjoy life most of the time but I would enjoy it better if other people could too.

Those of you who say no - do you have depression/anxiety? Or is it stressful life circumstances that prevent you from enjoying life? Or perhaps your natural temperament?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. I lost my husband 2 months ago. I’m sick of COVID, Trump, and everything having to be politically correct. I’m just tired of it all. I miss my old life.

My husband passed two years ago. I think back to all of the complaints I had a few years back when he was alive, but would give anything to have my old life back now. I am so sorry for your loss, pp.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Yes, kids are healthy and doing well in college. I’m retired and loving the time to garden, read, yoga, etc. DH is still enjoying working. Looking forward to traveling again.

Anonymous wrote:No. I lost my husband 2 months ago. I’m sick of COVID, Trump, and everything having to be politically correct. I’m just tired of it all. I miss my old life.

My husband passed two years ago. I think back to all of the complaints I had a few years back when he was alive, but would give anything to have my old life back now. I am so sorry for your loss, pp.

Anonymous wrote:No, I don’t enjoy life. I hate my job and my career, no love in my marriage, suffered a series of financial setbacks, have chronic pain. I would like to be done with it, but need to make sure my daughter is taken care of. DH hasn’t worked in about 7 years, so my income is crucial. I'm planning to kill myself once DD is old enough to take care of herself. So I have at least 6 more years of this misery, but will try to make it another 10. I am looking forward to leaving this world.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Please reach out to a mental health professional if that is possible.

Have you considered applying for different jobs, trying new treatments for your chronic pain, or/and a divorce? If you have depression, maybe you could be prescribed medication?

Even when your daughter may be "old enough to take care of herself," she would be devastated by you no longer being with her and it could negatively affect her for the rest of her life. You might miss out on many of the most important events in her life (graduation, marriage, or having a kid are all things she might do). Please talk to a mental health professional for her, if not for yourself.

Wishing you the best.

Anonymous wrote:No, I don’t enjoy life. I hate my job and my career, no love in my marriage, suffered a series of financial setbacks, have chronic pain. I would like to be done with it, but need to make sure my daughter is taken care of. DH hasn’t worked in about 7 years, so my income is crucial. I'm planning to kill myself once DD is old enough to take care of herself. So I have at least 6 more years of this misery, but will try to make it another 10. I am looking forward to leaving this world.

PP, I could have written this myself except that dh hasn’t worked for 12 years and have to take care of ds got another 4-5 years. I get frustrated but dont think of killing myself.
I was living a very good and fulfilling life overseas. It’s been really hard in the US even though I came here with a seemingly great executive job offer. 20 years later I have nothing to show except my aches and pains and severe arthritis as my body doesn’t tolerate high humidity.
I have 6 more years until I can retire. Hang in there.