A sense of value, a sense of purpose.

[Humphrey42]

This might be the ramblings of one individual. But I worked for 30+years and I can honestly say I really haven't made a difference. The people, the places, the jobs. It does really make you think how insignificant you are. Schools that no longer exist, a working place that no longer exist, a job you do and did, no longer exist, worthless.

Its interesting that the only real forum for discussing on how feel, think and actually might receive attention and some remotely positive is here. The medical support is very hit and miss. You have too be in a very bad way before anybody does anything remotely consistent. You will fop you off with a few drugs, you wont see the same GP twice.

As I said the ramblings of a 46 year old man.

[Hidden]

You carry on rambling Humphrey, it does help sometimes. I could have written your post but I am older than you at 62. I do sometimes wonder what it's about too x

[Humphrey42 in reply to Hidden]

On a positive note the most meaningful thing I've done is volunteering for the Summer Reading Challenge for children. To listen to the children, to be helpful, they are so passionate. They enjoy reading the books so much. That's a personal thing.

Its surprising what you can do. So seize the day. Everybody likes something, its seems most organisations are crying out for volunteers. Work I think most gets me down, so so bloody pointless.

Nature and exercise is helpful Look after yourself. It's good to talk

[Hidden]

We may seem insignificant in the greater view of things (the world, the universe), but your experiences were not insignificant. Losing jobs, going through many career/school transitions, only to find yourself in a place entirely different from what you expected, may not make sense at first, but I believe when you find yourself in a better place these experiences may hold more value to you. & I only say this from personal experience.

[Satsuma]

Wow I was thinking today of how insignificant I am alone Humphrey42

[Angep]

Hi Humphrey, how can you actually be sure you didn't make a difference to anyone in that time!!! Work may seem pointless but it's not really, it's a means to an end in that a provides the money to keep the rough over your head!! Do you have a family? If so you've provided for them also. Maybe you haven't found a cure for some horrible illness or found a way to create world peace but I'm sure you've contributed a lot in many ways. It is sad that places are closing down and some are no longer around. It's shameful. My partner has worked for his company for 33 years and the place is closing in December. Bulldozed to make way for other things. We make our own sense of purpose I think if that makes sense. Seize the day I totally agree!! Make a plan to do something you enjoy!! If it didn't work out at least you tried, how lovely of you doing the volunteer work. I think you get more of sense of satisfaction from doing that because you chose to do it .

[Marie_Anne]

I think rambling is all you can do at times. It might seem as though you are simply being negative, but you'd be surprised to see how certain people react. There are those who genuinely can relate and are happy to provide what support and encouragement they can. You are only as worthless as you perceive yourself to be. Take pride in the "smaller" things you do and have done to better your life and that of others. We do the best we can with what we are given and sometimes it is good to rethink the standard we have set for ourself. Not that we can't achieve anything we set out to do, but just as a reminder that we are human and that we are often to hard on ourselves. I'm sure you have made a difference in ways you have not even realised and maybe never will. But take solace in the fact that you get up every day and try again.

If I can suggest concentrating on hobbies and activities that make you feel valued regardless of any existing opinions you have about yourself and your past experiences.

I suppose I am also rambling, but hope to have given some "food for thought"

Cheers

[jennyjolly]

Have you seen the film'It's a wonderful life'?

Stewart Granger (it's an old but great film) plays a man who

feels also that his life has amounted to nothing

He decides to take his life,

But is stopped by an angel

Who takes him back through his life to reveal what would have happened had he not been there,in other peoples' lives and in the community he lived in

I bet you've touched many lives in a positive way and if you, in the very unlikely event that you haven't, could start now

You're seeing through dark glasses

The lens of depression

You're young(ish)

Have a think what would have been meaningful to achieve in your life

If you were 95 and looking back

What could you have become involved to have made a difference?

To yourself and others too

Good luck.

[jennyjolly]

Have you seen the film'It's a wonderful life'?

Stewart Granger (it's an old but great film) plays a man who

feels also that his life has amounted to nothing

He decides to take his life,

But is stopped by an angel

Who takes him back through his life to reveal what would have happened had he not been there,in other peoples' lives and in the community he lived in

I bet you've touched many lives in a positive way and if you, in the very unlikely event that you haven't, could start now

You're seeing through dark glasses

The lens of depression

You're young(ish)

Have a think what would have been meaningful to achieve in your life

If you were 95 and looking back

What could you have become involved to have made a difference?

To yourself and others too

Good luck