Pondering purpose in life
DEAR ABBY: I’m 45, employed and earning plenty of money. I’m in a great relationship, my kids and grandkids are healthy and happy, and my parents are alive and well. I enjoy the small things in life, fishing, reading, the beach, mini vacations, bowling, etc. I raise funds to feed the homeless.
So what’s my problem, you ask? Abby, I’m not really sure what my purpose is in life or if the way my life is, is normal. I feel content — even happy at times — but I’m troubled because it seems a lot of people do the exact opposite of what I am doing. Some of them are going to school, raising kids, having relationship problems, money issues, etc. They seem to be doing so much, and I feel like I’m doing so little.
What is normal? Should I be doing more? On a day like today I feel unfulfilled. Do I need to do more? — WHAT IS NORMAL?
DEAR WHAT: Doing so little? Count your blessings! You hold a job, have a family and a great relationship, hobbies you enjoy and contribute to those who have less than you. I would say you are productive and successful.
However, if YOU think you need to do more, then it’s possible you do. Take some time, decide what it is and reallocate your time if you feel you need something more to fulfill you. But please stop measuring yourself by anyone else’s yardstick because people who do that are rarely happy.
DEAR ABBY: I recently bought a new cellphone and was assigned a number by the company. I have been receiving calls and messages for the person who had the number before it was given to me.
At first, I would let the caller or texter know that the person he/ she was trying to reach no longer had this number. However, it takes up my expensive minutes to make those replies. Am I under any obligation to contact these folks, or can I just ignore their contacts? — POLITE IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR POLITE: No rule of etiquette “compels” you to respond to these callers and texters, so consider yourself off the hook.