A Change In Life Approach and Goals

I wasn't sure where to put this, but for me personally it deals with goal setting. But this isn't just for me, there is a positive message here that I would like to convey.

I just found out I have mild cognitive impairments and I am only 29 years old. I am at high risk for Alzheimer's dementia when I start aging. This made me decide to take a new approach to my life. The past five years my life was so horrible, I decided to put all my focus on self enjoyment. To the point where I became egocentric and recklessly impulsive in order to satisfy myself. I lost the deep well of empathy I once possessed.

Instead of focusing on the now, and enjoying myself regardless of everyone else, I am going to focus on what kind of positive impact I can have on the world before I'm totally lost. What can I leave behind that will make the world a better place. That alone is more satisfying then impulsive purchases and making people bend to your every whim. I've put myself first for far too long.

Empathy, compassion, kindness, thinking of others and positivity are good goals. Improving other people's lives is a good goal. Giving something to the world that will remain is a good goal.

I am done being hedonistic. One thing I want to do before I'm gone, is publish a novel. It doesn't even have to be a best seller. That's what I want to give to the world. Talent is a horrible thing to waste. And we should never waste our lives.

how about volunteering? giving back to a non-profit organisation by volunteering for them?

Since they are cutting back on my hours, I might actually have time to do that. I'll do some research and pick one. That is a good suggestion! I'm a little tight on cash but I plan to buy one or two Iron Man toys to donate to toys for children.

and there is nothing wrong in being hedonistic sometimes, don't forget to have fun, whilst you want to help others, enjoy life while you can.

I like your enthusiasm TryingToMoveForward

I like your approach, TryingToMoveForward. Even though I wouldn't recommend going to the extreme of removing everything enjoyable and pleasurable from your life, I think that it can be immensely beneficial for others and for ourselves to take a good, hard look at the things that we're doing to make sure that what we're doing is in line with what we value. Evaluating our patterns, our habits, and the ways in which we approach life can be a good first step toward making the world a better place.

Oh, I wasn't going to remove everything enjoyable and pleasurable. I do need to be less impulsive because I'm reckless and indulgent. Its causing problems in my life. So lets say....I don't need to blow $100 every paycheck on new clothes or things I don't need when I'm struggling, got bills, and need to get my cat a shot. I'm an impulsive buyer. Have to have what I want NOW. So I'm trying to stop being like that, especially since I come close to over drawing my account every month. Dangerously close. Cutting back on my self-indulgance is important.