Some call it self-actualization. Some call it finding your life’s purpose. Some call it finding out who you are and living by that. Some call it living by the spirit. Or… some call it suprapersonal existence.
Whatever form it takes, shouldn’t life be about thriving, not just being “functional”?
Whatever you do, shouldn’t it be about living your life?
I try to find little things as well as big things to do which give me purpose. One of the things I’ve found helpful is honest, brutal introspection.
I don’t know what’s brutal instrospection,but I think what you said is right,it’s not about functioning but also striving,people with schizophrenia can actually strive although it’s difficult due to the symptoms and limit,it’s still possible…by the way great for you that you found your purpose and your way of life
More to then that as is more be in the moment and finding joy. Two examples are Kurt Cobain and Heath Ledger both found there purpose (thrived). Both worked to the top thinking it would make them happy. Totally disappointed when they got there. We know how that ended. I’m still learning the difference between happiness and joy. But find what brings you joy and you will thrive even more in life.
I am finding my joy in football and I am really glad I found it,but I need to find joy in other things too,like being happy/joyful with family members and friends that’s important for me too,I will try to find these and will be patient meanwhile enjoying my football haha
At the moment, I can only think of survival. Too many persistent negative symptoms and a psychotic glitch which happened recently. I have so many things to be grateful for, but the sz just darkens me a lot. Every day I am striving to thrive, but mostly fail. I have found a passion, though - writing - and hope that in time in doing more of it and getting my two books published and recognised, that it will push me towards thriving. It was a real struggle to even send the book manuscripts off to the publishers, I had to use survival not thriving techniques and force myself to work on my books. But hopefully in time it will get easier. In the meantime its a struggle to survive each day.
I think you’re right that honest introspection is important. I suppose that if you don’t have to worry about anyone but yourself you might as well stop and smell the roses. If you have a family to support I recommend that you get into nurturing.
I have come to find what my abilities are, and I have found “purpose” like you mentioned.
Elyn Saks just said “It’s about finding the right life.” in her book. I think that simplifies it. The right life for me is school and weight room and bars on the weekends. And binge watching anime during the summer. Much binge watch.