Does anybody ever get the feeling they are not living their life to the fullest extent?

Question

We as humans are so used to being comfortable in our own habitat, set in our own ways and lifestyles. Are you truly living if you do not experience what the world has to offer? Why not break out once and a while and take risks and see there is so much more to life then what your used to. We are sheltered for we want not what we do not know.

Can you express your feelings on this?

I don't mean going out and traveling the world and skydiving. I know you can be happy with just a simple life.
What I mean is getting different perspectives and figuring out who you are and your purpose in life (besides religious reasons)

Answer 1

For a very long time I have felt that we have sacrificed personal growth for security and that we aren't fulfilling a basic human need to be challenged by life. I think too many of us live a waking dream of life, and that it is having a destructive effect on our psyches'. I myself have been considering major changes to my life to correct that.

Answer 2

I think an even better question is..... Does anybody ever get the feeling THEY ARE living life to the fullest.....??

It's hard to take risks because "it's a risk".... you must be able accept the possibility of losing what you have. Taking a risk is what makes great people great..... As you go through life, you understand that living a simple life is a wonderful thing - nothing wrong with setting the world on fire - but there's usually a price to pay.... there's beauty in simplicity.

I know people that need to be busy every minute and live every day as if it were their last...... that's ok - but I choose to do things that make me happy - even if they're quiet things. I never feel like I'm missing a thing..... happiness is 'within'.....

Answer 3

I can so relate to that. I get so frustrated sometimes because I feel like I'm not doing what I really should be doing. (What that is, I don't know...)

But's it's easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and I don't think it's wrong necessarily, some people have a really hard time just getting the basics to be happy and comfortable. Food, shelter, social outlet, we all need it in one way or the other. And once we have that it really is hard to imagine what it's like without it, and to give your all in experiencing other things runs the risk of losing those basics.

I feel my life has been very fulfilling (for the most part), just experiencing what I have. This might sound strange, but I get a kick out of being able to pay my bills. I love that I can pay for what I have, plus have extra for things I don't 'need' and a savings. I think for me, I've worked so hard to be comfortable, I don't want to give it up now. I'm choosing to shelter myself.

* To 'lynnguys' I read somewhere that the Amish rate themselves, out of any other type of people in the states, as to live the most fulfilling, most sense of purpose, and happy lives! They have goals that they MUST attain day after day, they know what they gotta do with their lives and are truly self-sustained.

Answer 4

Sure. Living life to the fullest means good and bad experiences and sometimes more of one than the other. That is not always for everyone and sometimes you do not necessarily learn from those experiences. So for me, I would live life to fullest within my means of income and participate in society with the things that make me the happiest and help others. I do not feel a need to go outside my comfort zone for the moment although life has done that several times to me. That is all fine and dandy with me and whatever you put into life, it gives you back.

Answer 5

I feel that way. Desperately, in fact. I have had some adventure -- the Amazon jungle, the Galapagos Islands, mountain treking in Alaska -- but only for the length of a vacation, then its back to cubical land.

I would love a life of travel and adventure, but how to fund it?

http://members.aol.com/freedog1000/

"What I mean is getting different perspectives and figuring out who you are and your purpose in life (besides religious reasons)"

Well I already did that, thats not a problem.

Answer 6

IMO, I think that sometimes we (namely Americans) need to take a step and enjoy the simplicities of life. Recently, with all the focus on the Amish, I noticed how these people are happy leading simple lives without the constant craziness of the outside world. I think that everyone can take a lesson and learn about humility, quit being so darn selfish and take a step back and relax!

**Stepping off my soapbox**

Answer 7

Doing something out of your "comfort zone" can be an exhilirating experience. As a Christian, I sometimes will introduce Jesus Christ into a conversation and give my personal testimony/experience if it is appropriate in the situation. I risk alienating a person or friend. But, it's worth it to share His good news. It's kind of spiritual rush as well. Some react negatively - some react positively. Oh well, they aren't rejecting me. They are rejecting the message.

So skip experiencing what the "world" has to offer. Try to experience what an awesome God has to offer. Much better.

Answer 8

Yes, ! it has to be 'besides' religious.....
The seeking of capability of deeper perceptions , beyond sense organs, having experienced and also understood that mere skills at material aspects just afford sophistication of comforts... only such inspirational urges from within can set a person to seek the criteria for 'fullest' extent... that need to stretch the levels of perception.. !

Answer 9

I have one major regret in my life - that I did not complete the college education I started 20 something years ago. Now I am too poor, trying to raise a family on a "just above minimum wage" job, with no education.

If I had completed my degree, I would be a much better career right now. My life would be much more interesting. I have so many dreams and I regret not being able to do anything about them.

To anyone reading this who is still at school, I'm telling you from experience. Please Please, finish your education. Go to College - even Technical college. Learn a trade. It can make a huge difference in your life.

Answer 10

I agree 100%.I feel cheated at times b/c of the cage of my habitat.i.e (Finacial obligations, educational commitments,Job, etc..) I have spoken with many people that have done so many things and wish that I had the opportunity or the ability to experience more. For example one of my friends is a US Marine and he has been so many places and experienced so much, he took that risk and has had great success in doing so.