Suggestions for how I can improve myself and my life?

Question

Jack is feeling rather down today, and I'm taking a look at my life and considering ways to improve myself. I know a lot of people try meditation, prayer, etc. I'm an Atheist, but I'm open to any suggestions. I've not been a terribly nice person up to this point, but I'm wondering what some other people have experienced; perhaps some of you can share life-changing experiences you've had.

Answer 1

Jack, you are an intellectual, attractive, inspiring individual. Your confidence levels are, at times, infectious. You are already a good person.

However, we all have times when we look at who we are, look at who we admire, and wonder, "How can I get there?" And then we have to decide, "Am I OK with my flaws, or do I want to change?"

The question is: Are you OK with your flaws, or do you want to change?

Because you can't improve what you don't want to change . . .

(I'm unable to articulate today, so let me know if that didn't make sense.)

Answer 2

We all have our down days if they are few and far between no change is really needed..

If I feel down for a length of time I like to select a subject I am interested in (the last was Art by Michelangelo) and learn some new things I didn't know... I search the Internet, visit the library etc. Learning new things about subjects that interest me always improves my mood..

I have a list of subjects I am interested in when I feel the urge I choose one and go with it, if I get bored along the way I choose another and go with it..

Answer 3

Sorry you're having a tough time. About 7 years ago I made a career change and started working with disabled people. It literally saved my life. Until then I was very depressed and angry and I could find no light in anything or anyone. Maybe at least a few hours a week of volunteer work a week could give you what you need. It's true that you get 100X more than what you put into it.

Answer 4

It's so cliched and sappy, but I really do feel better about myself when I do volunteer work. I've worked at soup kitchens, sat with people at hospices, worked with emotionally handicapped children... and I always feel so much better about my life when I am doing something to help other people.

If you're interested, try to find something that you are already interested in and volunteer your time doing it. An animal shelter if you love dogs, Big Brother if you like kids, Meals on Wheels, providing books/school supplies for underprivileged kids, start a theatre troup/writing group/art class for free for a local school... whatever you think you'd enjoy.

Answer 5

When I was twenty I was exactly where you are at. One day, I said to myself, "God, if you're real, then get me a bible." I had never read it for myself and I was open to anything at that point that would help my life it was so bad. I am telling you the honest truth. Afew days later, a friend of my sister-in-law's came over the house. She didn't know me and I didn't know her but she said some girl had left some clothes at her house and they didn't fit anyone she knew but Glenys, my sister-in-law said that they would fit me. So she gave me the clothes and I thanked her. Well, one of the clothes was a beautiful purple jacket. I tried it on and it fit perfect. While I was admiring it in the mirror, I reached in the pocket and there was a little new testament bible. I pulled it out and couldn't believe my eyes. I prayed for a bible and I wasn't about to go buy one. So God brought one to me. That started the ball rolling. I read the gospel of John first and I became a believer in Jesus. That was 30 years ago. The girl who gave me the clothes became my best friend and she is a Christian today, too. And God has blessed our lives abundantly since then. God says in Peter,"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." That is a true statement. Open your heart and get a bible and please read the gospel of John.

Answer 6

I truly find that helping others, makes me feel better about myself.

This may be a selfish reason to do good...but, hopefully something good comes of it. Whether it is volunteering at a food bank, giving money to a beggar, or mowing my neighbor's lawn...once I complete the task, I feel good....

I challenge you to look deep inside yourself...look to a higher power for guidance...pray/meditate/focus on life and those things that will help make the world a better place...and those things that will help make you happy.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Basically i don't want 2 convert u but just giving u my opinion that being a muslim whenever i feel not good then the only way 2 get contentment 4 me is prayer this give me better feeling.

Answer 8

Humility seems to be lacking.

16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

18"Which ones?" the man inquired.

Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,'[a] and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'[b]"

20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"

26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Matthew 19:16-26

Truth is, we don't have a clue how far we are from what God requires of us.
That is why Jesus taught that a man MUST be born again.
That is, we must repent of our own selfishness and place God first in our life. God then exchanges our corrupt nature for His pure nature.

I know whereof I speak. I have walked this way over 36 years.

Answer 9

I have always felt that god is within. I am god, but you are god too. I never believed that god was this seperate all knowing entity; thats b.s.. Through meditation, I have made peace with the world, and it has given me a positive perspective on the world.
That just my own personal experience.

Answer 10

What about journalling? Free association works well for some people; just start writing and see where it takes you. Or make a gameplan for yourself about 5 nice things you can do this weekend and why you want to do them.