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Nihilism And Stoicism

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Nihilism

I had a “what really grinds my gears” post ready to share today but I’ve had a particularly bad day and decided to share this post instead. Mainly because we all have bad days and I wanted to share my experience with how I went from being devastated by bad days to learning how to accept them and even appreciate them. Believe it or not, I was a diehard nihilist. I genuinely believed life was absolutely meaningless. Those of you that followed me at the start of this blog will probably know that. However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve done a bit of a 180 and traded in the nihilism for Stoicism. And I couldn’t be more grateful to be a Stoic.

As a recovering nihilist, it is genuinely so easy to fall back into those pessimistic patterns when things don’t go my way. When I’ve had a day such as this one, it can be easy to focus on the negative. I realised, thanks to lots of therapy, that the pessimism stemmed from fear. Fear of imperfection. Fear of the unknown And most importantly, fear that things wouldn’t work out exactly as I wanted them to. I stopped trying and hoping because I thought that would protect me from failure and disappointment.

Stoicism

Back in the day, a day like today would have made me have a full-blown meltdown. Like I would have shut down. However, to my own surprise, I handled everything that came my way pretty well. Instead of instantly going to the worst case scenario in my head, I took some deep breathes and thought- life goes on. And it’s honestly that simple. LIFE GOES ON. I simply began looking for alternative.

Marcus Aurelius was absolutely correct when he told us that we need to learn to accept our fate. Things may not always work out how we wish for them to. But that doesn’t have to be the end. We can either let bad news crush us or we can accept it and move on. It’s all about perception.

So today, I’ll be focusing on what I’m grateful for because the world isn’t absurd or meaningless. Life isn’t meaningless. Life is all about what we make of it. And I am consciously choosing to make the best of it. Sure, things didn’t go my way today but so what? Maybe that just means there’s something better for me out there. As long as I’m alive and breathing I will not stop trying to reach my goals and become the person I was meant to be.

What are your thoughts on nihilism and stoicism? What are you grateful for today? Let me know in the comments below because I would love to hear from you. Or simply stop by and say hi!

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P. J. Gudka

96 responses to “Nihilism And Stoicism”

  1. Bookstooge Avatar
    Bookstooge

    I am grateful that I had a turkey cheeseburger with tomato, ketchup, mustard, thousand island dressing and cheddar cheese, all on a toasted bun. It was a great supper 😀

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      That sounds like a really good burger, definitely something to be grateful for 😀

      Reply
      1. Bookstooge Avatar
        Bookstooge

        It’s better than not being grateful for the 13th rainy Saturday in a row! 😀
        Aye carumba, I can’t believe it. Thank goodness I’m not a weekend warrior…

        Reply
        1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
          P. J. Gudka

          Oh wow, that’s a lot of rainy Saturdays!

          Reply
  2. Milena Alien Avatar
    Milena Alien

    Hi Pooj, you are not alone, it’s Friday the 13th here… What are my thoughts on nihilism, I used to be convinced that it’s the only way to go thru life but it didn’t stand the test of time. I believe I first came across this term in Fathers and Sons by Turgenev. I was still in middle school then so I didn’t really understand it very well at the time. I thought it was a fancy word to say I don’t care.
    Later in my college years I came across the term stoic or stoicism, it sounds like someone who stands his/her grounds. I mean the language makes you treat it differently. So I thought they both describe me perfectly well, I will stand my grounds or I don’t really care all that much.
    About pessimism and optimism, I think they both have the right to be, like yin and yang. It’s about striking the balance right I think. Who can tell what is right any more?

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      I first learnt about nihilism in my first year of university and realised I had been a nihilist for a long time before that too just didn’t have a name for it.
      Absolutely, I think it’s about balance. I certainly would not call myself an optimist but I wouldn’t call myself a pessimist either.

      Reply
      1. Milena Alien Avatar
        Milena Alien

        I guess finding balance is the biggest challenge we face every day. Even when Metallica is singing Nothing else matters, you know that lots of things matter, for example, the song you are so passionate about because it expresses the feeling you can’t describe.
        On the other hand, I feel there is time for everything, maybe it’s time for being a stoic but it doesn’t mean it will last forever. Maybe ten years down the road you will decide to adopt a new philosophy. We are a work in progress after all…

        Reply
        1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
          P. J. Gudka

          That’s so true. A decade ago, I didn’t think I would be anything but a nihilist and maybe ten years from now I won’t be a stoic anymore. We change and that’s okay, it’s the most human thing to do.

          Reply
          1. Milena Alien Avatar
            Milena Alien

            The wheel of life never stops moving

            Reply
  3. L.G. Avatar
    L.G.

    Great post, I’ve been a nihilistic person at times and I’ve studied stoicism also, but I’m a Christian, what makes you who you are, you are honest about what you have believed and who you are now.

    People are looking for real, you are making a difference. You’re doing great. Keep moving forward.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Thank you so much. Having faith certainly helps us.

      Reply
  4. byngnigel Avatar
    byngnigel

    Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, was such a profound read. I guess I’m a stoic at heart, because many of hia sayings resonated.

    I’m grateful that I finally got a break from work. And can read and write a litte.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      I’m rereading Meditations after quite a few years and I’m blown away by it once more.

      Oh nice, glad you’re getting a break. Nice to see you back here.

      Reply
      1. byngnigel Avatar
        byngnigel

        Thanks Pooja. 😊

        Reply
        1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
          P. J. Gudka

          You’re most welcome 😊

          Reply
  5. The Topic Hunter Avatar
    The Topic Hunter

    Amor Fati ✊️

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Always ✊

      Reply
  6. Warren Avatar
    Warren

    odd, but not something I think about….I’d lke to say I’m an optomist, maybe a realist….I guess I just think life just is….the resent passing of my dad maybe reinforced that….I remembered the reaction of my father in-law when my mother in law passed after years of dealing with liver cancer; he was I would say stoic maybe, realist….life just happens, and for me that’s good enough. we can and should do things to make life better, our kid’s future better, leave better than we found them…but after all is said and done, is do the best we can……

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      I’m glad you’re able to me more optimistic or perhaps realistic. For me, realism works well too but I don’t think I’ll ever be an optimist. Exactly, life happens whether we fight it or not. It’s best to go with it.
      So sorry for your loss.

      Reply
  7. Mary K. Doyle Avatar
    Mary K. Doyle

    Most of my life, I’ve taken what was handed me and dealt with it. I don’t get stuck in the muck. I’m glad you are no longer doing that either, my friend. This is an easier way to live.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      That’s a great approach, it’s best to let life do it’s thing. Thank you so much and yes it’s so much easier to live this way then to be pessimistic all the time.

      Reply
  8. Loku Avatar
    Loku

    I find it hard to align with any ideology. I live freestyle life mostly. My thoughts and views change depending on the time and circumstances.

    This isn’t a strict policy. Most of the things remain same or they chngae slowly. It’s possible others see a bigger change in me, for various reasons, than I, myself.

    At this point all my thoughts, opinions, and ideas are on the testing mode. How many of them align with my personality? Do they build me or break me?

    At any point of time I cannot stop living my life. Thinking, eating, talking, practicing religion, and reading nothing can be done in excess.

    I hope your problems get solved, Pooja.
    You will be better than before.

    Best wishes!✨

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      That makes sense, I think for most people our beliefs change frequently depending on where we are in life. And I agree, it’s all about balance and not doing anything in excess. Thank you so much!

      Reply
  9. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/ Avatar
    Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

    I find it difficult to mentally align myself with a named movement or way of thinking, having gone through recovery from having been damaged by 2 extreme churches. After that I was welcomed into the Native American spiritual life. Now I just do the things that bring me the greatest peace, and that was only possible after I had taught myself to like myself and to believe that the universe loves me and has my back. Life is a journey, it will bring us through all types of situations so that we can learn the lessons we’re supposed to and then have opportunities to practice them. The 4 psychics who had approached me years ago said I had chosen all my troubles before coming into this world, because my soul knew exactly what I needed in order to make the most growth in my time here on earth. They confirmed that this is true for all of us!

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      I understand, religious trauma is so painful and can really turn people off from being a part of named movements. I always lean towards spirituality as well when it comes to religious beliefs. That’s so interesting because I just had a psychic reading recently and it was like she knew me. It’s the only authentic psychic reading I’ve had and it was incredible.

      Reply
  10. Shel R. Avatar
    Shel R.

    Sending you lots of love and big hugs. I hope tomorrow is a better day and I’m so proud of you for handling today the best you can! <3

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Aw thank you so much, hope you have an awesome weekend! ❤️

      Reply
  11. shivatje Avatar
    shivatje

    🙏🙌🏻👍🌹nice

    Aum Shanti

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      🙏🙏

      Reply
  12. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    I’m always grateful for getting up to a new day.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Truly something to be grateful for.

      Reply
      1. Sadje Avatar
        Sadje

        Indeed my friend 🫶🏼

        Reply
  13. katiemiafrederick Avatar
    katiemiafrederick

    “You don’t have to feel like a waste of space
    You’re original, cannot be replaced
    If you only knew what the future holds
    After a hurricane comes a rainbow
    Maybe a reason why all the doors are closed
    So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road”

    From Katy Perry’s Song ‘Firework’ Way Back in the Dead Zone
    When the Song First Came Out Just a Slight Hint of Hope Hidden

    Somewhere

    in that Song

    To Open Up A
    New Road to Escape The Other Place
    It’s True What Will Come Out of DarK

    Will Surely Replace What Comes Before

    Black Abyss Or Whatever Struggle ‘Come

    What May’

    Dear Pooja
    With SMiLes New
    Letting Go Swimming
    With the Current of the
    Only Constant Change Now With SMiLes..:)

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Love that song and such true words in the lyrics. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      1. katiemiafrederick Avatar
        katiemiafrederick

        So Uplifting!
        All my Pleasure
        Dear Pooja to Share

        With
        SMiles☺️🙌

        Reply
  14. writinstuff Avatar
    writinstuff

    Mostly I’d say I’m just a pragmatist. I let myself feel what I feel and then I let it go b/c if I don’t I’ll just obsess about something I know I can’t change because if I could change it, I would be working on it. Took time to get there but it’s where I am…and it’s great to hear you’ve found a way to handle the bad without spiraling. Such a beautiful part of growth. Have a better weekend, friend!

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      That’s honestly the healthiest way to deal with your emotions. Accept them, feel them and then let go and move on. It definitely takes time but I think I’m getting there too. Thank you and have a great weekend too!

      Reply
  15. Joseph Glidden Avatar
    Joseph Glidden

    I have kept gratitude journals at various times in the past and started a new one a couple of months ago. I find it very helpful in refocusing and preventing a negative loop. On accepting fate, I am reminded of a cartoon that shows a frog being eaten by a bird, but the frog has it’s feet braced in the mouth of the bird and hands (do frogs have hands?) around the bird’s neck preventing it from being swallowed. 😀Thanks for a great post.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      I love that, gratitude is so important. I used to have a gratitude jar which is sort of similar. That cartoon is so accurate, it’s all about what we make of things haha. Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  16. A & J PEI Treasures/E Jean Simpson, BEd, BA, MA Avatar
    A & J PEI Treasures/E Jean Simpson, BEd, BA, MA

    Glad you found a new way to think about things.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Thank you so much.

      Reply
  17. Eugi Avatar
    Eugi

    During my life, I have learned to take things in my stride. This reminds me of a quote by, Maya Angelou. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude”.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      That’s great, it saves us a lot of heartache to learn to do that. Love that quote, Maya Angelou was so wise.

      Reply
      1. Eugi Avatar
        Eugi

        Yes, it does, but it takes perseverance. 💗

        Reply
  18. Mark Edward Jabbour Avatar
    Mark Edward Jabbour

    Excellent! I’m happy for you. At your age it’s important to be hopeful, optimistic, and confident.
    However, at my age… life goes on until it doesn’t; and reality sucks. Cheers and take care of yourself.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Thank you! Well, I think regardless of our age it’s important to make the most of life while we can. We really never know what day may be our last.

      Reply
  19. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Clear thinking in this post, yet I’m sorry your day was such a tough one. <3

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Thanks so much, it was a bad day but it’s not the end of the world. Things will get better 😊

      Reply
      1. Stephanie Avatar
        Stephanie

        Sure to change, as it were. 🙂

        Reply
  20. utahan15 Avatar
    utahan15

    the wall is high
    cos offspring is toxic and nigh
    aka negative creep
    joy to me
    and you see
    sour grapes
    suck
    eat the leaves
    and then do the keino!

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Sometimes offsprings are nothing like us but it’s their life to live, we can only do our best!

      Reply
      1. utahan15 Avatar
        utahan15

        not to anyone in the autistic spectrum. slaves to ritual and routines. the extreme black and white will bring night to your day. this is way beyond sour grapes. indeed it is sweet cherries with a big pit. ha ha.

        Reply
        1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
          P. J. Gudka

          I’m sorry to hear that, although I’m not autistic (at least not diagnosed) I do have a really hard time changing my routine at all. It makes me extremely uncomfortable but I’ve been getting better at it.

          Reply
          1. utahan15 Avatar
            utahan15

            you re one of us.

            Reply
            1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
              P. J. Gudka

              Probably, I just don’t care to get tested since it won’t really change my life in any way.

              Reply
              1. utahan15 Avatar
                utahan15

                no it wont.

                Reply
              2. utahan15 Avatar
                utahan15

                sad eyes. the age is now. fate is a karmatic kismet. after all.

                Reply
                1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
                  P. J. Gudka

                  Yup for sure.

                  Reply
          2. utahan15 Avatar
            utahan15

            me too cos he s an ass.

            Reply
          3. paulliverstravels Avatar
            paulliverstravels

            I like having a routine because it frees up my brain power to think about the books I’m reading and writing and make time for meditation and exercise.

            Reply
            1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
              P. J. Gudka

              That’s really great, I’m trying to figure out a routine like that for myself as well but sometimes work just gets too much.

              Reply
  21. thebpdcrisis Avatar
    thebpdcrisis

    I used to think I was never a nihilist. But I’m pretty sure I was when I was mentally and emotionally struggling. I love Stoicism. I often practice it in my life. I get a lot out of philosophy, especially this one thought. Have you ever listened to the Daily Stoic podcast?

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Yeah, I was really struggling with my mental health when I was a nihilist too so I can definitely relate. I love that and yes I have listened to The Daily Stoic podcast! I actually came across it randomly a few days ago and have only heard one but look forward to hearing more. The book sounds really good too.

      Reply
  22. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View Avatar
    Mr. Ohh’s Sideways View

    you know this ones coming. I’m grateful for laughter.

    Ps. no that you’re stoic, the next step is to not only accept but to laugh at those bad days. 🤣😎🙃

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Yeah, I think that’s the direction I’m headed in!

      Reply
  23. Richmond Road Avatar
    Richmond Road

    I don’t necessarily see nihilism and stoicism as incompatible, though such is not the common view. If one is a stoic one accepts things as they are, in a universal sense, and then deals with that reality as best as one can, not fighting the current but drifting calmly with it. The nihilist sees reality and life itself as utterly meaningless, but that shouldn’t particularly bother the stoic. “It is what it is,” the stoic might say, “but I’m along for the ride no matter what.”
    My own view is that life is, indeed, utterly meaningless and nothing really matters, but one might be best to find things that one would like to matter, and then steadfastly pretend that they actually do.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Yeah, I have no problem with nihilism and I think it actually makes sense that so many people are nihilists either knowingly or unknowingly. Sometimes everything does feel meaningless and to many that feeling is permanent. We all have our own beliefs and that’s totally fine. Different things work for different people.

      Reply
      1. Richmond Road Avatar
        Richmond Road

        Hmmm …. well nihilism is probably not something you can just hop in and out of. Life is either meaningless or it isn’t. Either way that condition is permanent. The fact that successfully articulating a meaning is such a challenge gives a hint to reality, I think.
        But it’s strangely comforting and empowering to realise that life needs no meaning. Life is life. The universe is enough. It’s there. It doesn’t need to be there for a purpose.

        Reply
        1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
          P. J. Gudka

          As someone with diagnosed depression, when I have depressive episodes life feels meaningless, everything feels meaningless. I try to remember my Stoic beliefs but some episodes make it difficult and I tend to revert to my nihilistic beliefs that had been my norm for a long time. It rarely happens these days but it still does once in a while.

          Reply
        2. paulliverstravels Avatar
          paulliverstravels

          Han Kung argued that with God, the universe is ultimately warm, caring, and full of meaning, but without God, the universe is cold, uncaring, and meaningless. He meant it as a proof of God, but I didn’t take it that way. The more I learn about the vastness of time and space and the chaos of the universe, the more overwhelmed I am by how small I am.

          Reply
          1. Richmond Road Avatar
            Richmond Road

            How small we are indeed! But how strangely soothing is it to embrace that very notion. How utterly ridiculous our egos appear in the midst of everything. And how laughable our attempts to claim understanding and then call that understanding God

            Reply
  24. Opher Avatar
    Opher

    Can’t the two philosophies coexist?? I think I might be a stoic nihilist!

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Lol you might be the first!

      Reply
    2. paulliverstravels Avatar
      paulliverstravels

      You have to be stoic in the face of the meaninglessness of the universe and make the best of the time you have.

      Reply
  25. ianscyberspace Avatar
    ianscyberspace

    We really don’t have control over events that come our way in life but we do know that having a positive mind frame through the negative stuff helps us cope and even find some joy in our life journey. Reminds me of the regular address of a university president in India I worked under when he started each academic year. He said in his address two men looked out a window while in prison. One saw bars and the other saw stars. He was saying it depends on how you approach your studies as to whether you can see possibilities beyond present reality or not .

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Yes, exactly we have no control over things but having a positive attitude helps keep us grounded. That is so true, it’s all about perspective.

      Reply
  26. festo_sanjo Avatar
    festo_sanjo

    I’ve come to realize that the universe knows best. We might not figure out how things really work, but with time, things make perfect sense.

    I’ve been on the deep end recently, with lots of anxiety and depression. I couldn’t figure out how to overcome them. It was really frustrating. I have been avoiding my deepest fears for years long. Now, life has taught me that there’s no running anymore. All of my traumas are activated. Life felt so bitter to the point I felt like I didn’t deserve this kinda pain.

    There’s just life, which can’t be fixed but experienced. It made complete sense that I am out of control of pretty much everything. All we can do is accept the concept of IT IS WHAT IT IS. All we can do is do our best to be who we wanna be, and when things don’t go as planned, we should be grateful. What we resist will always persist.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been struggling recently. As someone that also has anxiety and depression I know when they hit it can be awful for our mental health. I think (at least in my experience) things get worse before they get better when it comes to trauma. When we allow ourselves to go back and deal with our past trauma we’re forced to process the most difficult things we have experienced which is so mentally draining. But once it’s processed and we are free from it things get much better.

      Exactly, we have to experience each day as it comes instead of fighting it.

      Reply
      1. festo_sanjo Avatar
        festo_sanjo

        Thanks, and you nailed it when you said “things get worse before they get better.” I’ve experienced emotional pain, I repressed my whole life, and that’s really debilitated my mental and physical health. At first, I thought I’d never come out of it alive! But with time, I feel my body adjusting and, like some weight, lifted off my shoulders. Trauma really haunts us, and sometimes we beaut ourselves up, but it’s not our fault. I’ve come to terms with allowing things to unfold according to divne plan as they call it. We’re pretty much like nature. We don’t get to choose the majority of our circumstances, though we’ve been programmed to think we’re in control. Thanks for the resonating response, and I hope you keep on fighting because, as they say, life is suffering. Pain is love and love is pain.

        Reply
        1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
          P. J. Gudka

          Yeah, I’ve felt that way too when I was working through past trauma but like you said eventually you start to notice the weight lifting off your shoulders. Weight that you had been carrying for so long that you forgot it was even there weighing you down.
          Thank you and that is so true.

          Reply
    2. paulliverstravels Avatar
      paulliverstravels

      I’m not sure at what point in my life I stopped looking forward and started looking backwards instead, obsessing over my mistakes in life. I’ve been meditating daily to deal with the negative feelings this raises in me.

      Reply
      1. festo_sanjo Avatar
        festo_sanjo

        Trauma and old wounds always linger until they’re faced and resolved. What I can say is that you have to stop obsessing over your past mistakes but rather allow yourself to feel the pain that arises with unconditional love. I know it’s hard and overwhelming, but keep going. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

        Reply
  27. clcouch123 Avatar
    clcouch123

    Nihilism bad, Stoicism better. You have a nuanced understanding of both philosophies, having lived with each in an avowed way. I understand that Nihilism means believing in nothing with nothing the best aim in life and (by) awareness. Stoicism always means discipline to me, you know like the austere Spartans. It’s much more, of course, as an appreciation of reality as it is and while not believing that we will not go on from here, even in our ambitions, that we won’t live by wishful thinking, either. Or I think the phrase is “beweep my outcast state” by Shakespeare. You know so much more, of course, and I appreciate the ideas and applications you find. And if I may say, great choice!

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Thank you! Yeah discipline and also a strong set of moral and ethics. Those are so vital with Stoicism and it actually helped me figure out what I my morals were and why I had them.

      Reply
  28. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    I really love what you said. That we need to learn to let the bad days and situations roll over us. I also used to fall so quickly into pessimism. Why is this happening to me? Good things will never happen to me because I don’t deserve it. I learnt to be more positive, do my part, try being practical and the helplessness lessened.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Thank you so much. I was the same way, it turned into the negativity taking over when the slightest inconvenience happened. Glad you’re learning to be more positive too, it really is sp freeing to let go of all that negativity.

      Reply
  29. paulliverstravels Avatar
    paulliverstravels

    I don’t think there is necessarily a contradiction between nihilism and stoicism. I try to be stoic about the lack of ultimate meaning and just try to make the best of the random pinprick in time of my accidental existence.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Yeah, I think it could work well together for some. For me, part of my nihilist beliefs meant that I didn’t think of morals being as important as I do now. In fact, I think as a Stoic my morals and ethics are one of the things that’s most important in my life. And now I do think life has meaning, I just don’t care to spend time figuring it all out. I want to concentrate on the present and live my best life.

      Reply
      1. paulliverstravels Avatar
        paulliverstravels

        I’ve always thought morals were important; I guess I just accepted the contradiction between how I wanted to act in the world and how I realized the world really worked.

        Reply
        1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
          P. J. Gudka

          That makes sense. For the most part, I knew morals were important and most nihilists don’t experience moral and ethical nihilism. But in my early twenties when I was at my worst due to depression I thought absolutely everything was meaningless. No exceptions.

          Reply
          1. paulliverstravels Avatar
            paulliverstravels

            When I was suffering the most from anxiety, I thought everything had too much meaning and constantly worried about the consequences of actions other people didn’t care about.

            Reply
            1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
              P. J. Gudka

              I definitely get that, I think a lot of people with anxiety experience that. I have both anxiety and depression so for a while I had this weird thing where I would go from one extreme to another. Thankfully, much better now.

              Reply
  30. Geoff Stamper Avatar
    Geoff Stamper

    My ism is optimism. It can be difficult at times but I am grateful every morning for another day. The new day clears the slate no matter how bad yesterday was.

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      That’s great, I can imagine it’s difficult to be optimistic daily but it’s amazing you’re working hard to do so.

      Reply
  31. SiriusSea Avatar
    SiriusSea

    I love this for you, Pooja <3 and have battled between my whole life! I am deep down an optimist, and you are right, probably fear-based. I've had a one-track mind as of late and tend to get tunnel vision on a project or outcome. When my projections don't come to fruition or I can't see a solution, I would succumb to the meltdown. Now (thanks to Stephanie and you and many here on WP) I breathe through, maintain "faith", and tangent towards a backup stance. Basically, I'm finding humor where there wasn't before and making "life" almost funny has resulted in a way better "environment". Bless you for your work, years studying, and sharing your therapy! "They" don't make them better than you!

    Reply
    1. P. J. Gudka Avatar
      P. J. Gudka

      Thank you so much. I have the exact same issue where I tend to give up when things don’t go perfectly but I’m trying to break that habit. Stephanie is wonderful, her posts are always so helpful and philosophical. Finding humour in all things makes life a lot more fun! Thank you so much and so grateful for your lovely comments and posts Siri, you always lift up my spirits!

      Reply

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