Philosophy on life

Do you subscribe to a particular theory or person?
If so, what/why and why?
Can you walk me down your intellectual path that got you there?
I took Philosophy as a minor in college and I am revisiting it.
I'm 31 and have no live cancer cells. The mathematical odds of me typing on this computer today were NOT in my favor.
Of course now, as I still lay sick (my docs like to remind me (often) with the quote "the cure could be worse than the disease").
Anyway, post cancer world I am living in the why's, the how's, the what now and why me's.

Re: Philosophy on life

I never have been a very philosophical person - but after major life changin events, it always makes me think "why are we here?"

Then I get back in my groove and forget. Id like to hear what others have to say!

Re: Philosophy on life

My mother had a plaque on the wall that said "Faith isn't faith until it's all you're hanging on to...". I thought it was corny when I was little, but she told me that that saying got her through the hardest times of her life.

I think of that sometimes when bad things happen and I'm not quite sure why...I need to have faith that there is something bigger than me, something more out there that will explain these things someday.

Hence my new years resolution for returning to church...I feel like its been missing for too long and maybe it'll help me get through the stuff I can't understand...

It's not the answer for everyone, but I do find some comfort in my religion.

My dear friend who passed away in August from Chrons disease studied many many different faiths and educated herself on them...she constantly lit healing candles and read spiritual books. She was the most "at peace" individual I'd ever known and I was in constant awe of how in stride she took everything...I truly feel it was a faith of some kind that got her through the really awful times..

Re: Philosophy on life

ok, lots of questions to answer here.

I guess for me, it is all about my faith. Jesus said " In this life there will be trouble, but I have overcome the world." An example that life s ucks, but God can and will help you through if you accept His help and ask for it. So, I ask why NOT me? As opposed to why me?

When I think about how blessed I am to be born in America, as a woman, in this time, I get overwhelmed with thankfulness.
I mean, if I was born in the 1920's, 30's, or 40's, I would be dead. That is the reality. Just 10 years ago, I had about a 5% chance of surviving my heart surgery b/c what I have is so rare. Deb, 5, 10, or 15 years ago would your doctors have been able to save your life? There is a reason WHY you were born when you were. There is a reason why God picked you to bear this cross. I believe with all my heart that you were chosen to overcome this to be a beacon of hope to others, an inspiration, and to infuse you with a thankful spirit for life itself; just being alive and enjoying your family.

I know that when I had my surgery I would log on to LIF just to see if you posted to gain inspiration from you. I was in SO much pain, and wanted to throw in the towel many times, then I would see what you went through and think "If Deb can get up out of bed and kick cancer's azz, then I can get out of bed and walk for 10 minutes" and as painful as it was to even walk after open heart surgery, I did it. I saw you fight and it made me want to fight when the pain was so intense that I wanted to give up.

Sorry this is so long. I hope I answered your questions.


ETA: JMHO, I believe that God chooses people to do His work here on earth. That "work" is helping others, leading by YOUR example, and putting your faith into action.

Message edited 1/3/2008 5:03:19 PM.

Re: Philosophy on life

We've had a pretty crummy year, and, especially in the last month or so, I find myself repeating two things over and over.

1. God does not give us more than we can handle. (He must think we're Hercules & Wonder Woman, but whatever)

and

2. That which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger.

I think I must say these things to myself a dozen times a day. I know they can be overused and maybe sound trite, but at this point, it's all about whatever gets me through the day.

Re: Philosophy on life

I am not sure if this is what you are generally talking about but we live by so many different mottos in my family.

First and foremost...the serenity prayer. My mom has always taught us that this was a way to handle any situation. We would have to sit down and figure out what the situation fit into..which part of the prayer and then go from there. We had to take actions on what category our problem or our hard time fell under.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

We would look at everything going on in our lives and then either try to accept or change what we could. It is also the AA motto and since my stepdad was a part of AA for years, it brought even more meaning to the family.

My grandmother also used...dont judge another man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins as a way of life. Every time I thought someone else had better or I was jealous..or I thought I was going through THE HARDEST time than anyone else..I would read this little saying on her fridge. It would put things into perspective and I was really able to see that even though times may have been bad for me at the moment...it was probably worse for someone else.

And finally...whenever we were just plain old LOST..we would always turn to prayer. Not just a simple prayer to anyone but we have a saint in my family...St Anthony is ours. He seems to listen and provide for some reason. For as long as I could remember, he has been who we go to when we are feeling lost.

It can be hard to identify things when your in such a bad situation..or to be able to have any hope at all. When my stepdad passed...I didnt think any of us would be able to move on...we did..now we are trying to get over my grandmother...the lines and the reasoning are more clear cut with this loss but it doesnt make it hurt any less....I just have to keep looking and reciting my prayers and mottos..and I know I will get through.

And a little afterthought..my new motto is.."it is what it is"...when I realize I dont have the power to change anything..when things are out of my control...I used to go crazy..it used to make me INSANE..now..for some reason I have adapted this saying and apply it to every situation I have no control over. It truly has helped me so much. Now instead of racking my brain as to why certain things happen or dont happen...I say this out loud..and move on.

Message edited 1/3/2008 4:26:29 PM.

Re: Philosophy on life

I have had a challenging journey as we all do in our own ways....but I look to this saying on a card my late father sent me once during some difficult times. I read it so much I memorized it. My dad is my hero, the only family I really had...so if he believed this than I can as well!

Believe in yourself-in the power you have to control your own life day by day.
Believe in the strength that you have deep inside and your faith will help show you the way.
Believe in tomorrow and what it will bring, let a hopeful heart carry you through,
For things will work out if you trust and believe-there is no limit to what you can do!

Re: Philosophy on life

1. "Everything happens for a reason"

2. "Trick is, it's hard!"

ETA: Another one is that one of my professors in college used to often encounter students who had stage fright and he'd say "What's the worst that could happen?" And they'd say "I'll mess up and make a fool of mytself" and each time he'd say "No, the worst thing is that a guy with an uzi comes in and blows us all away" It sounds stupid, but it honestly helps me put things in perspective and get beyond my fears.

Message edited 1/3/2008 6:47:42 PM.

Re: Philosophy on life

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

Re: Philosophy on life

i'm not a very philosophical person, nor am i person who has a strong faith in anything, except my family and DH.

after several disturbing and wonderful dreams, i have lately been thinking about the meaning of life.

i am here on this planet to love. not learn how to love, or love to perpetuate the species. just love as best i can, in a way that makes me happiest. i am not here to live for anyone but myself.

that is my philosophy and i'm stickin' to it.

Re: Philosophy on life

This thread is so interesting to me.
I expected it to be philosophical in an existentialism sense with quotes of Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche or Camus or something.
It's nice to see a lot of personal philosophies come from deep religious places.
that feels good and warm

Re: Philosophy on life

Re: Philosophy on life

Not religious at all.

I have learned along the way that there are things I just have to accept.

I was put on this earth for a reason. If I get another chance at another life then it will be for another reason or the same.

I was put here for however long to fulfil something. I would like to believe I am fulfilling it whether I know it or not.

I try to see good in everything bad..I am a natural optimist but I am a bit idealistic.

Re: Philosophy on life

Read (or listen to) The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Re: Philosophy on life

Posted by dandr10199

Posted by DebG

This thread is so interesting to me.
I expected it to be philosophical in an existentialism sense with quotes of Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche or Camus or something.
It's nice to see a lot of personal philosophies come from deep religious places.
that feels good and warm

Having read Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche and Camus in college and going through what I did this year; I realized that when my life was on the line all I wanted was to be close to God, not read a philosopher's opinion. KWIM? [/QUOTEWERD Dina- A darn fine point that never entered my mind.
HUMN, makes me stop and go humnnn , think
thanks!

Re: Philosophy on life

Posted by DebG

Posted by dandr10199

Posted by DebG

This thread is so interesting to me.
I expected it to be philosophical in an existentialism sense with quotes of Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche or Camus or something.
It's nice to see a lot of personal philosophies come from deep religious places.
that feels good and warm

Having read Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche and Camus in college and going through what I did this year; I realized that when my life was on the line all I wanted was to be close to God, not read a philosopher's opinion. KWIM?

Dina- A darn fine point that never entered my mind.
HUMN, makes me stop and go humnnn , think
thanks!

Re: Philosophy on life

Posted by meprecious99

Read (or listen to) The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Re: Philosophy on life

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

"I'm just trying to matter." -This is something June Carter Cash said a lot when people would ask her how she was doing or what she was up to. I ADORE her and how she lived her life. I try to remind myself to be more like her at times - her outlook. I also try and remind myself to be like my Grandmother (she passed away when I was in 10th grade) but she was probably the best person I will ever know - if just 1% of me is like her - I'm the luckiest person alive!

A new fave that I keep in mind: "Live like you were dying"

I wear my heart on my sleeve a lot - this means that there are times I will get taken advantage of but that's OK because I'm strong enough to deal with it - and I would rather be this way than any other way - so, it's worth it.

I consider myself to be religious - going to Church every week doesn't make you a good person - it is in your actions and how you treat others. Now, there are people in my life I choose to have nothing to do with - but that is because, more than anything, I live my life with this frame of mind: treat others how you would like to be treated. So, what you give me is what you get back - fair enough. ETA: one of my Grammy's favorite movies was "Life Is Beautiful" - that sums it up for me!

Message edited 1/3/2008 5:17:45 PM.

Re: Philosophy on life

mine is life is not always fair. you cannot wait for life to give you your due.

you have to fight. sometimes you have to fight harder than others. sometimes you face obstacles that others don't face.

sometimes you are called on to show others in a similar situation that you CAN fight. you CAN change things.

that life requires perseverance. and faith.

faith in yourself. faith in others. faith (for me) in God. in the strength he has given me. in the place he has put me in. faith in the fact that every obstacle, every hardship I have faced has been b/c I needed to be the person I am for someone else. for my family, for my husband. for any children I may have.

I believe we all have gifts that those around us need...it's why we gravitate to each other. why we need each other. why we look to each other...situations and circumstances. we feed off of each others strengths, and learn from each others weaknesses.

every test God gives one, shows us all something.

there is a reason we all watched you fight Deb. And Dina...and any one else fighting for something.

there is a reason Hollie was with us when John was fighting.

there is a reason I met some of my friends when I did.

I don't know if this makes any sense outloud, but I does in my head...in my heart...it keeps me going...keeps me fighting...keeps me happy. keeps me living.

Re: Philosophy on life

Re: Philosophy on life

my philosophy is and always has been one word:

"Laugh"

my humor has gotten us through the roughest of times.

It's easy to laugh when things are going good - but it takes a strong person to laugh when they aren't

Re: Philosophy on life

I believe in physics.....put it out there, it will happen. simple as that, yet nearly impossible to do.

Re: Philosophy on life

When its something negative I used to say "Why me?" but now sometimes I think "Why not me?" "you live...you learn..."

And I really go by this-
"what doesnt kill you makes you stronger!!!"

ETA: Smile, a smile can go a long way even when you're down, SMILE you will feel million times better.

Message edited 1/3/2008 6:41:02 PM.

Re: Philosophy on life

My philosophy is simple, live your life to the fullest, appreciating what we have today and living the best life that we can, life is short and the future is unexpected, all that we have is the present.

Re: Philosophy on life

When I feel I have it bad, I remember someone out there has it harder. So how can I complain.

This really helped me through when DH was in a coma. I would look around and see other families dealing with death, who would probably trade places with me just to hang onto the "hope" that their loved ones would make it and still be with them.

I remember one day taking a break from his hospital room and went outside for some air. I saw some people running into the emergency room and would come out screaming, crying and hearing them comfort each other because they just lost a loved one to a gun shot.

And thinking, "just when I thought "I" had it bad....." I should be grateful.

Message edited 1/3/2008 6:53:58 PM.