We are not immortal! Help!

[Marijn]

I have just looked through a bunch of really old photos and old letters, I saw smiling faces of loads of relatives, with their babies or getting married. All dead long ago. Most of whom I don't even know. But their lives were important and vibrant at the time. Some of the letters were love letters from my grandparents to each other. They were lovely to read. But what worries me, is that things like this make me realise how insignificant and transient we all are. Here today...gone tomorrow. So what's the point of it all? It makes me feel I've got to DO something important NOW. But what?
How do you all cope when you have these feelings?

[daffy654]

I have had to face the thought of dying before my time for many years now, ever since I was diagnosed with a genetic form of Emphysema. I am now 42 and have been told I will be likely to live another 5 or so years. I am not bothered by it at all, except to hope that my family don't grieve too much when i'm gone.

[saxy_jag]

I tell myself that if I have made one person's life better by the fact that I have lived, then my life will not have been in vain.

I still don't like the idea of missing out on everything after I've gone, though. I would hope that by the time I do pop my clogs, I am ready to call it a day.

[Marijn]

I'm sorry to hear that daffy. It's good that you have a positive attitude.

[Marijn]

I don't mind missing out after I'm gone. I'm wanting to know what life is for. Maybe I shouldn't think too hard because there isn't an answer, is there?

[rowanwitch]

Notafish...live the best life you can...grab the good bits and let the bad bits go by whenever you can... try to do one kind thing each day....mentioning lingerie to Sqad will do if you haven't thought of anything else... laugh a lot.....and don't waste as much time on here as I do...

[sara3]

I feel that my "job" here is to give my kids as many happy memories as I can.

[rowanwitch]

Sara3 as somone who grew up with very few thats a brilliant ambition and one they will be so grateful for later on even when you are just apart rather than when you are gone..

[sara3]

rowan.. I had a crap childhood. all we can do is try to do better :o)

[Marijn]

Thanks for all your answers. I am usually positive. I just have a crisis now and again when I try to work out what life, the universe and everything is all about. I know one answer is 42.

[rowanwitch]

The other good answers are wine, chocolate and ice cream....

[Marijn]

Mmmmmmm chocolate

[nixodian]

I understand where you are coming from, we are all mortal, thats what everything on earth has in common. We do all have limited time on this planet, accept it. we are all insignificant even on a global scale nevermind a universal scale, but we are significant to those close to us. Develop that significance, bring up children if you can, be a great influence on them and they will remember you forever.
Never dwell on things that have past, look to your now and build the future you desire ,
best wishes and good luck!

Nixon Chan :)

[nixodian]

btw, that is how all those religions got invented. God didnt create man, rather man created God

[Marijn]

Thank you Nixon, that's just what I needed to hear.

[madmaggot]

Nixon I agree entirely; my loved ones live on in my memory as I hope to do in theirs.

[Marijn]

Good