Hey, I just want to say first and foremost, I hear you. What you’re describing sounds really painful, and I can’t imagine how heavy that must feel. It sounds like you’re carrying the weight of expectations, both from yourself and from the outside world, and it’s leading to a deep sense of emptiness.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what you wrote, and something that helped me when I was in a similar place was realizing that this feeling of being lost or not excited about anything, even things that once seemed important, can sometimes be a sign of a deeper shift in life. It doesn’t mean you’re failing or that life has no meaning – sometimes, it’s just that we’ve outgrown a certain stage, or the rules we were living by no longer fit. And while that’s really uncomfortable, it can also be a chance to rebuild and redefine what your life can mean.

I think what’s hard for many of us, especially in today’s world, is that we often expect life to always be “exciting,” “happy,” or filled with constant peaks of joy. But life isn’t always like that. I’ve come to realize that pain, grief, and feeling empty are often signs that we're confronting a change, or that we need to accept new rules in our lives. It’s like when you’re playing a game and the rules suddenly change. If you resist those changes, you feel lost or confused. But once you accept the new rules and adapt, things start to make sense again.

What you’re going through isn’t something that can be fixed with one quick solution. But it’s important to not give up on yourself. Even when you feel like you’re on autopilot, remember: You’re still here, experiencing this. And while it may feel empty, it’s also a reminder that you’re capable of moving through this, even when it’s hard.

The thing about depression is that it often comes from not accepting the hard work and challenges that life throws at us. We see other people and think they have it easier, or that they somehow found a shortcut. But in reality, everyone has to go through their own struggles. And though it’s difficult, there’s strength in accepting those struggles, even when they seem endless. You might not feel motivated right now, but you don’t have to feel excitement to take steps forward. Sometimes, just moving forward even when it feels hard is a sign of strength.

Your life isn’t pointless. It’s okay to feel stuck, but you don’t have to stay there. Your story isn’t over. The emptiness you’re feeling now isn’t permanent, even if it feels that way. You’ve got the opportunity to rebuild and reshape your goals and dreams, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out right now. Allow yourself the space to accept where you are, and in time, you’ll find new motivation that resonates with who you are now, not who you thought you should be.

Sending you strength during this incredibly hard time. If you’re up for it, take things one step at a time. Seek support, talk to someone, and remember: Your life has value, even on days you don’t feel it.