What's the point?

I have been seeing a seriously depressed 79 year old of late, who can't see the point of carrying on. Despite his body being very fit for his age, he feels he was put on this planet for his pleasure only - that he wasn't meant for work and all the years he was working as a clerk was something he did out of duty not for pleasure. No - he's convinced his point of being was to enjoy himself through sport, which now at 79 he can no longer participate in.

At 79 he can no longer see the point of going on, he wants to die but is too scared of not doing it right, the prospect of getting it wrong and spending many years in a bed scares him most.

Well we could all say what's the point of us being here. You may believe in God and therefore feel there must be a purpose - even though we don't know what that purpose is. If you think we're here due to an accident of a planet being in just the right place, that's fine too. The key really is how you see yourself fitting in and understanding the relationship between you and the rest of the world.

Part of that key is self acceptance. If we accept our current predicament we can focus on the important things, where to go next perhaps, or living in a much more peaceful and calmer way.

Look at what 2009 has taught you, accept there are some things you may be unhappy about, but be thankful you've made it to 2010. Now start to look at what you can change to make you feel much happier - and if it involves other people, remember they may not be here for the same reasons you are - look after yourself first, worry about what other people are doing second.

Happy 2010.

Mindscape for mind management.