What brings you fulfillment?

[RoxMonster]

This article popped up on my FB feed today and I found it interesting: www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/41a63dcc-2a66-11e5-8613-e7aedbb7bdb7.html

It talks about being able to find fulfillment in life without having kids, or rather, the idea that no one thing can ever totally fulfill us/that part of what is enjoyable about life is never feeling fully satisfied and being hungry for more.

So what brings you fulfillment in life, especially if you are child-free? Do you feel like you are not fulfilled without children? Do you think one thing can ever truly make you fulfilled?

For me, I agree with the article that it isn't just one thing that would make me feel like I have a fulfilling life; it's many things, including traveling, having a good relationship with my husband, "parenting" a dog, interacting with friends and family, etc. I wouldn't say any one of those things alone can do it, and I don't feel like by not wanting children, I am missing out on fulfillment in life.

[glw]

I don't know that I've ever felt "unfulfilled" even when I wasn't really doing much besides going to school or working. I've never been one to set goals or have big dreams, etc. I just kind of roll with it. *shrug*

[sapphire bou]

I'm kinda with glw. Yeah I aim for promotions and want to do well in life, but I've never really had a career goal or a life goal.

When I was a kid and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, if I could answer honestly (and not give some bogus dream job) my answer was to be happy. And I am. I've got a great husband. A job that pays the bills and leaves me some extra cash. I've got all the friends I need. I also have nieces and nephews who I get to watch grow up and develop...and to remind me of why I don't want kids.

I kind of stick to short term goals. I should be getting a promotion next year and once that happens, our goal is to move into a bigger, nicer house that can accommodate family in a better neighborhood.

But thinking about it, I'm often fulfilled by being there for friends. I've always been the listener who will take time to talk things through with them.

[MyName]

Not surprisingly, I agree with glw.

I got my MBA because I'm good at school, not because I'm particularly driven. I get fulfillment from accomplishing things that seem impressive with minimal effort on my part. lol

Really what brings me fulfillment is making other people happy, which a lot of times means cooking/entertaining. I love my family and friends, I love to travel, and I love to plan things that other people are excited about. That really is enough for me. I don't need to make a difference in the world as long as I make a difference in the lives of those I love. Having a kid would mean I wouldn't have enough time/energy to do the things I want, and I'd end up feeling trapped and bitter. It was never even a consideration for me.

I fully intend to be the eccentric, spinster aunt who hosts all the holidays and cooks for days, and then starts telling crazy, mildly inappropriate stories from my youth after a couple glasses of wine. hahaha  :drink: