Is Life Passing You By?
One of the symptoms of "neurosis" is the thought or feeling that "Life is passing you by." This sometimes takes on a more self-critical and cruel version, when we tell ourselves things like "You are wasting your time."
In more technical terms, these thoughts and feelings often reflect a lack of pleasure or joy (i.e., hypo and anhedonia). When people feel good and joyful, they rarely think they are "wasting time."
It is important to truthfully and impartially ask yourself, “How does the time when you are satisfied and content differ from any other time you spend?”
The honest answer would be, "There is no difference".
In both cases, time passes by. We have no other option but to “waste time,” as it follows it’s natural course — to pass by, fly, and slip away.. To live means to lose time.
Time marks the sequence of life’s events, moving continuously from the past to the present and the future. The passage of time is constant reminder of life itself — after all, time only stands still for the dead.
Many people get frustrated realizing they are "wasting their time," but, in most cases, nothing happens after such an insight. There is no change in motivation or activity — just increased emotional pain and dissatisfaction.
Instead of becoming frustrated, one option is to ask yourself, “What insight does this dissatisfaction give me?”
Another option is to undertake a behavioral experiment. Whenever you feel good and joyful, ask yourself, "Is life passing me by right now?” or "Am I wasting my time right now?"
Set up notifications in your calendar to keep asking yourself these questions in different pleasant situations — when seeing friends, at a party, etc. Check what thoughts and feelings arise about these "damn questions" when you are at ease, delighted and enthusiastic. Would it be relevant to think of wasting time, falling into depression, or self-blaming then?
The answer is "No!" Thoughts and feelings that "Life is passing you by" or "You are wasting your time" simply suggests that, in this particular moment in time, you are probably experiencing a shortage of positive emotions — nothing more. These so-called "damn questions" are just a litmus test that people use to identify their unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Therefore, there is no need to try to answer these questions because there are no answers.
The best option is not to plunge into gloomy self-reflection about the "passing years," but to address the question, "What can I do to feel better here and now?"
If you find yourself constantly worried that life is passing you by, it might be time to explore deeper emotional insights and coping strategies. Engaging in virtual cognitive behavioral therapy or online mental health counseling at E Clinic can help you address these feelings and develop healthier perspectives. Whether you opt for psychotherapy appointments or want to speak to a psychologist online, these resources can support you in overcoming the anxiety of wasted time. Dont let life slip away unnoticed—take proactive steps with online mental health treatment to reclaim your joy and live fully in the present.
D.Avtonomov©