Maybe it's just me, but this is symptomatic of a narcissistic life, where the satisfaction of oneself is supposed to be the goal, and it supercedes all else.
Perhaps the nugget found in the first story is the answer (this is a leading statement).
When the gentleman fixed the garbage disposal of the woman, he felt meaning. He was serving her.
I would suggest looking outside oneself and serving others, where you will find meaning that is satisfactory. And the service can't be transactional, in other words, without anything expected in return.
Just pure service and love for others.
Surely these folks have talents they can share with others.
There are service organizations out there. Or senior care facilities where you can volunteer your time to talk with them - many don't get visitors. Record their histories. Help them with their family histories on a free site like familysearch.org
Jesus once said those who lose their lives for my sake will find them (their lives). And Charity being the pure love of Christ...
Get the connection?
Stop looking inwards to find happiness. Look outwards. Sacrifice yourself to help others. Yes, it takes being a little vulnerable. But you're serving someone else who is probably a little vulnerable too.
I guarantee you'll find some meaning... Some happiness.
And probably pick up a few real friends along the way. Maybe even someone to whom you can bond with in matrimony.
I enjoyed reading this - thanks for sharing! It’s interesting to me because I am a 50 year old childless cat lady nurse with an MBA in finance. I can certainly relate to the struggle for meaning… but since switching from a finance career to a nursing career, I am definitely getting closer to where I want to be on the happiness equation. :) Like Justin commented, I believe selfless service is key. It has been a long journey to realize something Jesus actually taught me as a kid!
Maybe it's just me, but this is symptomatic of a narcissistic life, where the satisfaction of oneself is supposed to be the goal, and it supercedes all else.
Perhaps the nugget found in the first story is the answer (this is a leading statement).
When the gentleman fixed the garbage disposal of the woman, he felt meaning. He was serving her.
I would suggest looking outside oneself and serving others, where you will find meaning that is satisfactory. And the service can't be transactional, in other words, without anything expected in return.
Just pure service and love for others.
Surely these folks have talents they can share with others.
There are service organizations out there. Or senior care facilities where you can volunteer your time to talk with them - many don't get visitors. Record their histories. Help them with their family histories on a free site like familysearch.org
There is a site called https://www.justserve.org/ that allows people to serve in their communities.
Jesus once said those who lose their lives for my sake will find them (their lives). And Charity being the pure love of Christ...
Get the connection?
Stop looking inwards to find happiness. Look outwards. Sacrifice yourself to help others. Yes, it takes being a little vulnerable. But you're serving someone else who is probably a little vulnerable too.
I guarantee you'll find some meaning... Some happiness.
And probably pick up a few real friends along the way. Maybe even someone to whom you can bond with in matrimony.
I was going to attempt to make a comment similar to this, but you stated it better than I ever could have!
I enjoyed reading this - thanks for sharing! It’s interesting to me because I am a 50 year old childless cat lady nurse with an MBA in finance. I can certainly relate to the struggle for meaning… but since switching from a finance career to a nursing career, I am definitely getting closer to where I want to be on the happiness equation. :) Like Justin commented, I believe selfless service is key. It has been a long journey to realize something Jesus actually taught me as a kid!
Hey there John, Stossel TV used one of your Epic Rap battle video clips in his latest video. Pretty nice tip of the hat you your earlier work! https://youtu.be/WxW7JRc414Y?si=IQWxTQyuugm7qKir