I am nearly 50 years old. I sincerely thought I would be dead by the age of 48, but God has given me some extra time. I have spent the past year and a half feeling depressed, with a lack of direction and full of indecision and confusion.  What resources might help me determine the best use of the extra years I have been given? I realize this is a wonderful opportunity, and I don't want to abuse or waste it. At the same time, I have financial obligations and medical needs to meet, so I need an income.
120460
There is a wonderful Gov. program call Vocational Rehabilitation.  They have programs especially for people like yourself who are looking for a change.  Gov. money and grants, etc.\nLook them up in the Phone book, or check in with your Department of Employment and training.\nGood luck!
167151
I have a similar situation in my own life. I don't know how I will react when the time comes, but I have several pillars of strength to help me.\n\n1. My spouse is living her life to the fullest even though she is dealing with multiple medical problems. I receive considerable encouragement from her fortitude by seeing that a part of life is fight to overcome sorrow.\n\n2. I have total conviction, no doubts whatsoever, in the existance of God. I feel that He has a purpose for all of us, and it is up to us to fulfill that purpose.\n\n3. I also have faith in my religion, and receive considerable comfort in the readings of sacred text.\n\nWhen the time comes I'm sure that my heart will be broken, but all indications are that I will be strong and will survive to continue on the path I'm meant to fulfill.\n\nGood luck with your own, your families and your friends trials, emeraldprincess. Continue to look for help and it should be there when you need it.
663505
Hey girlfriend I'm 44 and I'm in the prime of my life and I feel young and I been told I look young for my age. We are still young. 40 is just the beginning. Don't think so much about death Just be happy and live everyday to the fullest. I sometimes get scared too but all I can do is pray and ask god to at least let me live as long as my father did and he was only 67. Now you tell me that is young Huh? So see we are still young. Actually younger guys ask me out. The older we get the better we look and feel!
300642
It could be the golden years though people aren't smart enough to plan for it. Though sometimes our health, no matter how good we take care of ourselves, starts to fade. The best we can do is not get over weight, eat right take care of ourselves finacially, physically, emotionally mentally and most of all spiritally through Christ. I take care of the elderly and say all the time. Man, I don't want to get old.
535854
I would like to try to help you, but I don't know exactly what you need guidance in. I'm a bit younger than you, but I am wise beyond my years. I was born in 81. I am assuming however, that you are not stating your situation, yet your age in hopes of someone with a sixth sense responding..can't help ya there. Only thing I can leave you with is to follow your heart and let God help guide you to the right path!!
436515
I'm sorry to hear about your illness, but happy about your recovery. Have you dug out your old "100 things to do before I die" list? That's the best place to start. Good luck.
498899
I am not sure. I'm still young. I think life in the entire package is worth it! There are no better or worse times as long as you are alive and living life the fullest! :)
45042
Thank you for the additional information. I suggest you talk to him. Pray about it and listen to your heart. When you turn 35 I don't want you to be thinking about what if.
476606
I had similar thoughts at your age and found that I was not open to the answers that I was given. Part of my psychi led me to look for easy answers.There is no easy answers when it comes to life. A good place to start is with a well known book that will teach you how to best use the full capacity of you're brain.It will give you a base from which to safely explore your questions. The bible is so much more than people believe it to be.Don't let the beliefs of others impeade you're progress towards happiness.
540933
Hi, sorry to be sneaky but I looked at your other questions and if you will permit an old fogey to offer a little well-meant advice, it's this.  23 may feel it but you are not old enough yet to use phrases like 'I'm not getting any younger'.  Also, take the mystical bit out of it and remember 'render unto Caesar that which is his'.  In other words, it is your parents house so while you stay there it is reasonable for them to expect you to 'toe the line' just as long as it is a reasonable line.  Try and chill out and look at things slightly differently.  You do not have to rush into anything as long as you feel able to compromise so what's the rush?  If you really feel your step-dad is being a jerk then make your mind up to go and be sweet and well-mannered while you plan to go your own way.  In the end he will be the loser and you have a life of your own to live so live it.  You decide when where and how, the only price you have to pay for that is just words.  My youngest daughter has been in Nurse training for two years and absolutely loves it. I think you will be fine when your time comes and you alone will know when that is.  Good Luck, will think of you.
46959
Just keep going. Have you ever heard "This to shall pass".  You have to pray and ask God for strength to with stand lifes challenges.  We are here until God take us home and we are here for a reason. God just wants you to stick it out.  It will be okay. You can't do anything about the past and unless you intentionally did something wrong (meaning planned it out), than thats just life. We were not promise that life would be peachy. Challenges, heart aches and pain are apart of life. Take care and GOD BLESS
229164
What the hell, go. It won't kill you. I lost my mom in 62. I was ten. Go before she kicks the bucket or you'll regret it.
274962
Hello there, your question is good and i promise you a million answers from a million people. But do not believe just anything. Weigh all responses carefully against the written word, if you’re a Christian or against personal research and life observation. In all, be patient about concluding your answer. Life is a process and any topic arising out of it is answered through a life time. If I told you get hot water for a cup tea by boiling water itself, i may be wrong by the time 20 yrs is added to your age. Culture and processes change over time. As human, love your neighbour as yourself and you are doing the will of god. You can’t see God to give him one of your shirts so do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. Take care of God's creations and make peace in your own heart all the time. For death, it will come in its time as nature has appointed. What follows thereof, let us leave it to the Creator.
515482
Turn to God. I also lost my father at age 10. I am now 30. It hurts but God can turn any sadness to joy. I know this because 4 years ago I also lost my first born. God has a reason for everything and even though we may not agree or like it he will make good come from it. My suggestion to you is to turn it over to God. He is the only one that completely understands how you feel and he is the only one that knows exactly what you need. I hope this helps, even if just a little.\nGod Bless.
399258
Your never to old to make changes to your life and 50 is not old!  I suggest looking into going self employed as a trainer. I work for a training company and we are always looking for trainers (and pay them a very generous wage). You can work the hours you want to and still get satisfaction from helping others achieve their goals. Good luck in whatever you decide. Make the break it will be worth it in the end and if it doesn't work out you can always go back to teaching.Just remember,If you always do what you've always done you'll always get what you've always got.
331591
I am 41 years old and I am a personal secretary for my pastor at her church and I am also bible school teacher as well.\n\nNote: I answers some of these questions because of the experience (personal) that I have gone through in hopes that whatever I have to offer them far as knowledge and wisdom they will use it at there own discretion. Some of the people that I have answered to have used my advice and have had some success with and some well I don't know but whatever I give I give to help people with there problems and not just give them any old answer to get a mere two points.\n\nI appreciate that you were willing to ask what kind of people are out there that are answering these questions and I hope that I gave you an idea of what kind of person I am for the reason I answers so many people! Thanks..
489775
Of course you're not too young to feel depression!  What you feel is very real.  I'm 42 but I'll tell you right now, I remember when I was 17 and felt my life was in total and complete turmoil and I said to myself 'I'll never, ever forget how I'm feeling right now and how difficult it is to cope with life'.  At the time it was so overwhelming.  The changes you're experiencing with your hormones at the age of 13 is probably one of the most difficult periods of time you'll experience YOUR ENTIRE LIFE!  The good thing about that is, it can (and will) get better.  I feel for you like you wouldn't beleive.  My best advice would be 'ride the wave' of life.  Yes, it's unbelivably hard but I promise you, you'll feel better and things will be in better perspective as you grow a bit older.  Truthfully, there's no quick solution.  Please try to accept that it's very, very natural to feel like you do.  Try to find a girlfriend who's going through the same thing so you can voice your feelings.  If you feel you can't confide in anyone, remember your strengths and focus on them.  You are a valuable, worthy person who, like many adults, is going through a difficult time.  We're all faced with challenges no matter what our age but I'll be the first to say, those years between 13-17 are the most challenging.  Think of it as looking towards the light at the end of the tunnel where you'll grow into adulthood and this difficult time will just be part of your journey.  I wish you all the luck in the world but I know you'll do o.k. :-)