https://youtu.be/b_YHE4Sx-08

Story (Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning): Close to tears from pain and the meanness of a life reduced to a constant concern for keeping alive, Frankl found a way to lift himself out of this abject misery. By forcing his thoughts to turn to something else away from the pain, the searing cold and petty concerns, he found somehow a way to lift himself out of his oppression. He saw himself on a lecture platform of the future, in warm and pleasant conditions, his audience focusing on his every word. In this way, the sufferings of this moment were seen as somehow already in the past. It is this future focus on the creative projects we can still achieve that allows us to unfold meaning towards which we can aim.

Story Essence: Frankl points here to the importance of projects, things we can still achieve, or creative values, in unfolding meaning in our lives. He noticed that those who lost this future orientation very quickly gave up and died. My wish for you is to find your own unique meaningful activities and projects which you can look towards in the future. In this way, you make your own future.

Specific Action: Think about projects that you can undertake. What are these projects and how can you act responsibly in creating these projects or bringing these ideas to life? What do you really enjoy doing? What are the things that you do that keep you absorbed? Write down your thoughts. Picture yourself working on these projects. Better yet, begin to work on these projects.

As you find yourself focusing on and engaging in these projects, your mind will not have the opportunity to dwell on your situation, no matter how undesirable it may be. Tomorrow we will consider what you can do if you can't change your circumstances.

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