A reader wrote:
I am 47, married, 2 teenage children, live in the suburbs, have a house and car and good job and all those great things that I am grateful for. One thing I have always struggled with is what am I supposed to do/be when I grow up. LOL I’m thinking that with me, a large part of the problem is I haven’t learned to just be content. Not matter what else is going on.
I’ve never really done a job that I particularly enjoyed. So when people ask, what would you do if money was not a concern, I really don’t have anything in mind. Do you have any posts that address this kind of thing? I came out of the Christian religion several years ago. we were taught that God has a plan for your life and it was up to us to find out what that is and do it. well, I never found out what the plan is. It brought me to a place of discouragement and depression. Yuck.
Do you have any thoughts on the subject?
I’ve heard some teachings that basically say, how do you know you are where you are supposed to be? Because that is where you are.
Part of me likes that. Part of me doesn’t. LOL
My response:
I would say – do what it is you’ve ended up doing with the motivation to help others (without ignoring your own needs, obviously) and you’ll at least find meaning in your life. Not everyone has a big aim in their life. It’s not necessary. Just be the best dad, husband and employee you can be. And don’t forget to have fun every once in a while as well.
To elaborate: obviously, if God exists, (S)he doesn’t have a spectacular plan with everybody. Some people end up working in factories their whole lives. Some people live on the streets. Some die of cancer at 3 months old. You’re one of the lucky ones. Glad to see you realize that.