I think it's important to find non-stressful activities that we can still do to give our lives meaning. This might mean adopting a new hobby or just doing small things for friends or family members. Many of us feel like we don't have much to offer, but there's always something nice we can do for someone, even if it is only offering kind words here and there. And these sorts of small acts can make a big difference in the long run--both for ourselves and for others.

The bottom line is that even with all of our current limitations, we can still make a difference. If we aren't engaged in some kind of meaningful activity or work, most of us quickly descend into depression and apathy. We need to look for ways in which we can still do meaningful activities and make meaningful contributions to society in spite of our limitations. It's not easy, but it can be done.

Viktor Frankl said,

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one last thing: the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

For some, posting on this forum is a way to provide a service to others and make something good come out of one's suffering, For some, it may be something as simple as cooking dinner for a loved one once in awhile, or reestablishing contact with an old friend. For some, it may be honing a talent or working on a hobby and sharing it with others.

In my own case, I'm still able to play piano for short periods of time--like half an hour or less--and I'm able to learn new pieces too. Even though I can't spend much time at the piano, it makes a world of difference in my mood if I just sit down and briefly play once or twice a day, especially if I can learn a new piece. I'm still able to invite friends over once in awhile and cook dinner for them, and I find this to be very rewarding.

We need to learn to become satisfied with much smaller accomplishments than what we're used to--both personal accomplishments and services given to others. Maybe we can ask ourselves early in the day,

"What can I do today to be of service to others?"

or

"How can I best care for myself today?"

When it comes to being of service to others and caring for ourselves, the little things can add up and make a very big difference.

Peace,

Pete