Ever sit back and....

Ever sit back and think? Think about what your doing, and why your doing it. Sometimes I stop and think, and say to myself, "Why?".

I'm not wacko or suicidal or anything of that nature(well, maybe a little crazy, but in fun. I figure we all are). I just sometimes wonder why. Just that one word. I'll get a chill; I can't think of a reason. For myself, I guess, that would make sense. I figure, and have been told, you do things for yourself in mind, don't let others walk over you.

Sometimes that one 'Why' sparks off another question, "What are we all striving for?" When these questions hit me, it brings on this this incredibly hepless feeling. Maybe I'm just wondering if I have a place, a purpose. I like to feel needed, and as people, I think it's natural to want to be needed and have a purpose.

What do you all think about this? Ever feel like this? AM I crazy?

Just venting, searching my thoughts. Hey, after lookin at this, maybe I should be a shrink...

-Joe

You ok?
Bill

Yeah, just clearing my head a little. I'm ok. I'm not weird or anything, just thinkin.

[This message has been edited by LedWater (edited 16 February 2005).]

ok, just checking! Everyone probably has thoughts like that from time to time. If those thoughts start taking over though...
Bill

I hear ya, it just bugs me a little.

'G" LedWater, you are not alone... Sounds like life is on your front door to me, even in my best times I'v had these Q's, and I understand, when I'v been so far down, and when I'v been the happiest in my life, almost glad to here someone else that does it too, I'v learned in my down time to do what I did when I was up, ( it took some time) to be thankful for what I have... To count the blessings when I thought I could not see any... They are there, and when you see them you may think, I didn't know others had it so much... well Take some time off, look what's around you and grab a life saver...:G" Don't forget to look at what you have,( I know it's hard when you are missing what you need most in life), but look around and you will find alot is there...


[This message has been edited by Grubb (edited 16 February 2005).]

Dand it LW, you can't come here and get that out of me... that's a sercret...lol


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Spelling and Grammar not subject to judgement... ;)

Grubb, I didn't expect that much feeling in your reply, it's much appreciated.

Now, what I wrote, is just me thinkin, seems like worryin too. It's nothing. I guess I just like to see what you all think, even if it's somethin silly like this. I respect your opinions. Your all great people. I promise to keep things FF related for now on.

Tyflier, no offense taken, your reply makes perfect sense to me. Thank you.

LW... heck man, I just turned 50 and I still have those thoughts. I get to asking myself so many questions that sometimes I really do wonder about myself. But then like a friend told me, it's okay to ask the questions, but may be time to worry when you start to answer them. When I do find myself in a "downer" mood, I call my son just to chit chat. Amazing how a 21 year old can help put things in perspective. Here's another offer for you. My e-mail is in my profile if you want to set up a time to chat.


Mike

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There is no greater fan of flyfishing than the worm.


Patrick McManus

I once "why?"ed myself to the true meaning of life.

Then I wondered why I bothered.

Jim

Sometimes when I think like that I go and talk to my dog and then it all seems clear again. That dog sure is smarter than I am.

i think i spent way too many years looking for BIG answers to that why question but now i'm different. little answers work for me. why am i here? to hold the door open in the bakery this morning for that old guy who looked lost. to smile at one stranger. to let the truckdriver into traffic. to spend 2 short minutes talking to the crossing guard. just to be part of the whole big party. oh.. and to fish. in fact, not just to fish. to experience the way the droplets look flying off the line, to hear the heron when i **** it off, to listen to the hull of my kayak when it glides over the duckweed. it's all grace, man.

What Diane said, "It's all grace, man". Bingo! The question is not 'why'. The question is 'how?'. That keeps your vistas open, your spirit at the ready and your mind in gear. Why keeps us stuck and just creates more why and then more why. Even in the midst of a pile of hurt and crap there is always one small thing of grace, beauty and goodness. That is the only way I can live my life. Focus on what works and the other falls away like chaff.

Ledwater

I live in Bradenton, and I know you know where that is. You are welcome to come up and visit with me any time you like. We can discuss what you are thinking about. After last year I have those questions answered. If you remember last year I fought for my life with cancer. I am in remission and a lot of people that have been thanked. A large part of those people are here on FAOL. WE are a part of your family, you have people here that care about you.

ARE you going to try to come to the fish-in? I know it is a long drive for you, but a lot of us will be there that would love to sit down and talk with you.

You hang in there and remember those questions do have answers.

Come see me anytime

Harold

[This message has been edited by Harold Hattaway (edited 17 February 2005).]

I see by your profile that you are a student. That leads me to assume that you're still a young man. (At 71 a whole lot of people are "young" to me of course.)

One of the purposes of being a 'student' is to learn about the future by studying the present and the past. You are questioning the future - we all do that. You wonder about the present which is good and proper. Hopefully, knowing the past will help you to not repeat those self same mistakes in your sphere of influence.

Your questions seem to me to be a bit of self-doubting. In certain contexts it is sometimes good to question one's self. However, you shouldn't go overboard in that respect.

LedWater, I'm sorry I don't live in your part of the country....I'd love to talk to you more on this subject...can't do it on the impersonal Internet.

But, one thing for certain...we all have a purpose in life...sometimes that purpose doesn't become apparent for years and years. Shoot, I was at least 35 before I knew why I was put here. Patience, you'll find out in good time.

Continue to do well in your studies so you'll be ready when you need to be.

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Snow on the roof with fire in the hearth

Stinkys, looks like I won't get any real work done till I write something.

LW, these are normal questions to ask,usually when a major life change looms on the horizon, like graduation. I just hope you don't ignore life for 4 years waiting for a "magic revelation" like a certain horn headed, patch wearing bonehead I know. The questions are good ones to ask yourself, but don't forget to ask a few others at the same time.
Who-am I,do I want to be, can I help become the person they want to be.
What- skills,talents,interests do I have that I can use for career, recreation, enjoyment, improve myself and those around me.
When-will this idiot stop typing.
I'm sure you get the idea. I found my answers through spiritual means and it took years to manifest themselves in tangible ways.

http://www.language.iastate.edu/vp/pirateviking.gif

"where there's a shadow there's a light" Road to Zion- Petra

Everyone asks themselves these sorts of questions from time to time, wheteher they admit it or not. A pause to take stock and reassess things now and again is, to me, a good thing. I have found that the answer(s) don't usually come to me in some great flash of realization, but more often they are revealed in a thousand, sometimes subtle and usually beautiful, brief moments. Hang in there; it'll come to ya.

I don't remember who said it, but "when you're done changing, you're done."

Dear Ledwater, You are waxing philosophical again. Thats a good thing. It usually means that you have already secured food, water, and shelter, and since you are posting here; had enough left over for some flyfishing stuff. A fine start. I used to have the same thoughts more often when I was closer to your age. (Usually when I was stuck in a swamp, looking for lost hunting dogs, cold, and shredded by briars...thinking, Gee, why am I here, this is supposed to be fun- wonder which way back to the road, and how deep is this icewater going to get?). Now, I'm content to be a good human being, father, friend and live a decent life. You have alot in front of you. Decisions about school and careers and relationships are mostly in front of you. Do what you love, love what you do. Be passionate about your dreams, your friends and family. You are a good person, trust yourself. Find a mentor if possible, and maybe volunteer at church or school or teach a kid to fish. Pay it forward (Heck, rent the movie if you don't know what I'm talking about). Yeah, we all have these heavy moments, enjoy the fact that you are around to have them. Laugh at yourself. No one here gets out alive so enjoy the ride... Best Always, Jim

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"Knowledge is knowing, wisdom is understanding"

As long as you don't shoot holes through your front door while you swill beer sitting in a dark room on a bright sunny day, you'll be okay. On a more serious note, some introspection is a good for the soul. I tend to find answers to the "why" question when hunting, fishing, backpacking, boating and motorcycling. Outdoor activity has got me through some pretty tough times.

Ledwater, I found myself asking that same question for the better part of my life, until I truly came to know the Lord and to worship God. It's through the grace of Jesus Christ that I came to know my real purpose here in this life. I hope and pray that you might come to know the same peace and sense of purpose. God bless you, Alec

Ledwater: Live well.
Love much.
Laugh often.

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Steve V.

i think it was albert camus that said, not only aren't there any answers, there aren't any questions. but i can say that, at 50, i seriously question my life's direction. especially career wise. i read a quote from edward abbey that sums it up perfectly: i have worked too long at jobs i don't like to buy things i don't need.

only wish i had realized that at 20!

Hywell, Your right about the rules, but what is "flaming"? Seriously, is it a computer term for harrassing or what? Sorry if my advice to volunteer at a church offended anyone- I meant that as a general term, not an endorsement of one faith over another, but still I probably should've left it to something more civic in nature.... I know your post wasn't about mine, but I hear what your saying. By the way; the only 'Flaming ' I have heard about is an inflammatory politically incorrect reference to another topic not allowed on the site.... Gee, hope I didn't offend anyone reading this.

Hywell I did see the 'smile' - but maybe this was one of those times where someone trying to explain how they found the answers for them did out weigh the need for you to even poke 'fun' at a serious topic? You think?

I do have a real comment to make. Years ago a friend recommended a book, which at the time seemed dumb. It wasn't. If you can find it get it and read it. If You Meet Budda On The Road, Kill Him.

Anyone else read it?

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LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL

Lol LF, I'll look for the book, interesting title.

LW sounds like pretty normal to me.After all,if it weren't for questions like these(asked of yourself)how would you ever find answers?Keep up the mental exploration,without it you'd most likely end up really lost.
Adam

Led, just wait 'til you have kids or grandkids...at three years old, guess what their favorite question is???

"Why?"

Then you give them an answer, again, their question to your answer is...

"Why?"

It's a beautiful question, now isn't it?