Hi ((((((Clive))))) I only just saw this thread. Thanks for starting such a thought-provoking debate!

The sentence above really jumps out at me. Yes! This is exactly my problem too. Lacking a sense of purpose makes me extremely anxious and this seems to get worse the older I become.

And then, as you say, the catch-22 effect kicks in because my anxiety prevents me from taking the steps necessary to create more purpose and meaning in my life......And yet, the prospect of my life continuing along this path of doing increasingly less and less and only being able to function within the confines of a narrow "comfort zone" fills me with panic. And so the vicious cycle is complete and I remain firmly stuck!

What I am trying to focus on is taking "baby steps". The withdrawing from life doesn't tend to happen overnight. It tends to happen gradually. I can really see over the past few years how my habits have changed and how my fears have taken over. Equally, it's bound to take some time to reverse that. So I'm trying to change some of my habits and start slowly moving forwards again (easier said than done!)

It was brilliant that you went on that vacation recently, Clive. That was really brave! I hope you're able to do more things like that so that you feel less lonely and have some fun. Anyhow, baby steps!!!!!