I can't unconvince myself that the cons of living outweigh the pros.

@Jlol I can hear that you're in a really hard spot and that it's really hard to see the good sides of life when you're feeling so beaten down. I'm hearing that you're really struggling to find meaning in your life, and unfortunately I'm not sure if this is something that anyone can find for you, though maybe having these conversations can be a constructive way for you to begin to find your own.

I guess one way to start convincing yourself that life can be worth living is to look for the exceptions. And I mean really look for them because sometimes when we are struggling so much we become accustomed to only notice things that sustain or feed into our struggles and any positives almost don't register. An exercise can be to try to notice at least one glimmer or positive moment each day. It's probably not going to change your life overnight, but it does start to exercise that muscle that looks for the good.

Sometimes we can't change systems that force us to live a certain way - eg needing to work to maintain shelter and to feed ourselves and our families - but we can find ways to live within that system and to still find enjoyment and lightness, alongside the stress and darkness.

Of course I'm aware that this is a simple way to look at a very complex topic, but sometimes we need to start small.

I am curious, what is your idea of a life that is worth living and what might that look like for you?

Hi @Ru-bee

Sorry if I'm getting too analytical with this but what does satisfaction look like for you @Jlol?

Have you experienced periods of satisfaction with life in the past?

I know that we all lose a certain degree of control over our time in this system that requires us to work, but I wonder when the last time you were able to use the time that was yours to do something purely for your own enjoyment? And are there any opportunities to start to sneak back some of that time that we lose to work and our daily commute, like taking a walk through a park on your lunch break or getting yourself an icecream... using the commute to listen to your favourite music or podcast or read a book... any small regular acts that could contribute to that overall feeling of satisfaction?

Hi @Ru-bee

I hear this often. About 'small acts'. I don't get it.

I'm not here on this planet to slave away for someone else only to enjoy a walk through the park on my lunch break.

Sorry, call me selfish, but these little things don't make the awful big stuff worth it.

To me @Jlol it's not about making the big awful stuff 'worth it', but about training our brains to seek out joy, rather than allowing the crappy things rule our heads.