[wepple]

But if you get to decide what is “meaningful”, it’s just a reminder of the finiteness of life.

I’ve spent a bunch of this holiday sitting on the couch, relaxing or letting my mind wander or just enjoying being near a warm fire. I don’t think I’ll regret that at the end of my life (provided my life isn’t all sitting on a couch)

I’d argue if you feel pressured to do “meaningful” things that apparently don’t bring you joy, you’re just miscalibrated about meaning of your life?

[ip26]

I might agree, if I could ever figure out what is “meaningful” to me. I’m simultaneously incapable of sitting down and doing nothing (because I love pushing towards a goal) and also fully aware that goals are usually extrinsic and unfulfilling. Both deeply drawn towards big problems with a long march, and torn that by their very nature, I won’t get to undertake many (so choose wisely)

[youniverse]

Seems like you've figured it out already. Pushing towards a challenging goal is exactly where meaning is to be found, even if it's difficult to enjoy in the moment. Growing through challenge and taking on the responsibility of life is where we seem to get more fulfilling results.

[ip26]

The common wisdom is that there is no meaning in work, which is the most common form of what I described, so I have to discount the possibility I’ve actually figured anything out.

[iamflimflam1]

This video from Adam Savage talks about this and his way of looking at it is really helpful.

https://youtu.be/nGx-DHjrXAY