You have to make your own meaning in life, because nobody else is going to do it for you.
It's kind of obvious but when troubleshooting really try to think about things logically "What works? What doesn't work?" goes a long way.
It's pretty easy to get worked up and take leaps like "This printer must be broken" for example but if you think about the processes along the way it can help. Are there any signs of life? Has this ever worked? Did it work on a different computer? Is the cable fine? And so on.
Basically taking a step back and being more methodical.
There is a alternative for this. It’s called Rubber Ducking.
Basically if you can break it down so you can explain it to a rubber duck (preferably on your desk) then you probably can find the issue. :)
"Pretend your nipples are laser guns, and try to shoot people you see on the street in the head. It does wonders for your posture."
As someone with a horrible posture, I found this "game" to be surprisingly effective.
Alan Watts's backwards law:
The more you try to grab a hold of something, the more it slips through your fingers. Trying to become happy makes you miserable because pursuing it only reinforces the fact that you're not there yet. The more you try to be wealthy, the poorer you will feel regardless of how much money you actually have. The more you try to control your feelings and the things around you, the more anxiety you will accumulate. Love flows to those who stop running after it and feel OK with where they are right now. Trying to make others love you will only distance them.
Suffering is the gap between where you are now and and what you desire. Let go, accept and enjoy where you are right now. Change is constant, but if you're always chasing some other state than you're already in you will never be fulfilled.
A friend had this mantra of "You do you." that I've really embraced. Stop giving a shit about the things you don't agree with or views other people are into. I'm not looking to change minds, just being personally receptive and open is enough for me.
Moderation in all things.
To avoid negative thinking, challenge the thought that a problem is personal, pervasive or permanent (Martin Seligman)
Parenting: Set a good example. Don’t punish. Teach. Tell them what TO do, not what not to do.
Having ideas about the way things ought to be is great, but you can only respond to what is.
Be excellent to each other. Do as you would be done by.
"Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations".
