A Same Old Brand-New Life -- Have You Had High Expectations That Resulted in the Same Old Story?

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seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
17,353
6,210
113
#1
Hey Everyone,

Lately, I've been taking a self-evaluation of my life, and have been thinking about all the times I was going to "start a new life," whether because of a finishing a degree, moving to a new area, starting a new job, joining a new church, or a combination of everything all at once.

I have to say that for the most part, I didn't have any life-changing transformations -- my life didn't suddenly become more exciting or somehow more glamourous as I might have naively thought -- and in the end, it kind of all reverted back into the "same old, same old" version of my life in every new reiteration I tried.

It reminds me of the original animated version of The Little Mermaid, where all of the sea residents jubilantly perform their showpiece song, "Under the Sea." All the animals are joyously smiling, singing, laughing, and dancing, surely living out their best lives in that moment:

1745595117873.jpeg

But the second the music stops, every single creature lets their happy, joyous smile drop, fall, and fade back into what it was before, while everyone slinks off "back to business" in their own little corners under the sea.

1745595308385.jpeg



* Why do we all get so excited for "a new life," when so often, things just seem to resort back to the mean?

* Is it just human nature to try to imagine ourselves in a grander state of being than what we really are? (Since, after all, our end goal is heaven.)

* What events have triggered thoughts of, "I'm going to start a brand-new life!" for you? Graduating? Getting married? Moving? Having Kids? A new job or career?

* How did it go? Did you find the "new life" you were looking for -- or did it all somehow seem to go back to being the same?

* Were you left feeling satisfied or disappointed -- and are you still looking for something that will kick off another "new start"?

I realize that whatever it is I'm searching is something I won't find this side of heaven.

But I'd like to hear stories from other people who have experienced this too, and how they cope with the longing in the meantime, until God calls us home.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
22,054
7,583
113
63
#2
Hey Everyone,

Lately, I've been taking a self-evaluation of my life, and have been thinking about all the times I was going to "start a new life," whether because of a finishing a degree, moving to a new area, starting a new job, joining a new church, or a combination of everything all at once.

I have to say that for the most part, I didn't have any life-changing transformations -- my life didn't suddenly become more exciting or somehow more glamourous as I might have naively thought -- and in the end, it kind of all reverted back into the "same old, same old" version of my life in every new reiteration I tried.

It reminds me of the original animated version of The Little Mermaid, where all of the sea residents jubilantly perform their showpiece song, "Under the Sea." All the animals are joyously smiling, singing, laughing, and dancing, surely living out their best lives in that moment:

View attachment 275719

But the second the music stops, every single creature lets their happy, joyous smile drop, fall, and fade back into what it was before, while everyone slinks off "back to business" in their own little corners under the sea.

View attachment 275720



* Why do we all get so excited for "a new life," when so often, things just seem to resort back to the mean?

* Is it just human nature to try to imagine ourselves in a grander state of being than what we really are? (Since, after all, our end goal is heaven.)

* What events have triggered thoughts of, "I'm going to start a brand-new life!" for you? Graduating? Getting married? Moving? Having Kids? A new job or career?

* How did it go? Did you find the "new life" you were looking for -- or did it all somehow seem to go back to being the same?

* Were you left feeling satisfied or disappointed -- and are you still looking for something that will kick off another "new start"?

I realize that whatever it is I'm searching is something I won't find this side of heaven.

But I'd like to hear stories from other people who have experienced this too, and how they cope with the longing in the meantime, until God calls us home.
Darling it's better,
Down where it's wetter.
Take it from me.

Life is best when you are enjoying it. You can do that anywhere, and under any circumstances.
 

Tall_Timbers

Well-known member
Mar 31, 2023
1,591
1,858
113
68
Cheyenne WY
christiancommunityforum.com
#3
When I was younger I wanted to be a policeman when I grew up. I started going to a Community College for a 2 year degree in Law Enforcement. I was sidetracked after I found Christ and obediently went to South America as a Missionary less than a year after I got saved. When I returned after about 2 years I completed the 2 year degree and transferred to a 4 year college where I got a degree in Criminology while working as a Reserve Police Officer. I got hired on and attended a Police Academy. I'd achieved my goal but it turned out I wasn't well suited for that job. I resigned and after about a year found myself in the Air Force. I retired from that job with disabilities at age 46 and haven't earned a nickel since. When my first major physical impediment showed itself, I made a decision that I'd do my best to live life to the fullest despite the problem. I was only 33 when life became physically difficult.

I hired a contractor to build a house for the family in Alaska where I'd purchased land for that purpose years earlier. I'd planned to live out my life on that property but a day came when I realized that I simply wasn't physically able to maintain the property any longer. I decided we'd move to the lower 48 where life was a bit easier and after researching and visiting several states we ultimately settled for Wyoming.

I never knew fulfillment in my employment but I've enjoyed my daily walk in/with Christ. Being saved allows one to know the value of this experience we call life in our mortal bodies, and we have the assurance of immorality in new bodies that won't wear out, or ache, or fail us. I'm perfectly content in the sunset years of my life and with each day that passes, I'm that much closer to being with Jesus. Life is good.

I've experienced a few twists and turns in life. I did get married and raise 4 children along the way. Things have a way of working out when we have God who turns things to good. Sometimes it takes time to see how things worked out, and in some/many cases we might not understand the good until we enter into the forever phase of our lives.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
7,733
2,367
113
#4
Maybe
I realize that whatever it is I'm searching is something I won't find this side of heaven.

But I'd like to hear stories from other people who have experienced this too, and how they cope with the longing in the meantime, until God calls us home.
Maybe we've yet to look at the 'same old story' quite right.

Following a study that linked to Romans 8:20-21,
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
I clicked "read full chapter" and read the conclusion of the chapter saying, "...nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

All of creation was subjected to vanity...in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
A commentary within the study lesson from one of my 'go to in a crunch' teachers, JP Parsons "Is Life Worth Living?" Apr 24, 2025, compelled me to follow the link to Romans, "Vanity has an end, *chaverim, and this end affects the entire universe. The prophetic future holds hope that salvation will be literally cosmic in its sweep."

I think, perhaps, we keep coming to that 'same old' feeling after each time we reach any sort of "is this it?" point and this moment is the underlying expectation that we, and the rest of creation, are actually hoping to (have) come to.
And *chaverim means 'beloved' so, at any rate, we're at least halfway there if we've come to the full realization of the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
28,869
10,375
113
#5
I just go where life takes me and see what happens. I never have been big on establishing a career or making New Year's resolutions.

I've had a pretty nice life though.

I can't wait to see what happens next.
 

RodB651

Well-known member
Feb 11, 2021
857
563
93
59
#6
Were you left feeling satisfied or disappointed -- and are you still looking for something that will kick off another "new start"?
I wasn't sure which part I wanted to quote because I've probably got something that would fit with any of them.

In spite of many efforts to start a new start, it ALWAYS reverts back to same old same. It will most likely always be like that in this life.

Maya Angelou once said "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."..

That quote doesn't fit the topic. I've been hearing it a lot lately.

Its something to think about when we look in the mirror or do some introspection. I say that I guess because deep down, I want to improve on what I see or think.

RB
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
43,014
17,442
113
70
Tennessee
#7
I just go where life takes me and see what happens. I never have been big on establishing a career or making New Year's resolutions.

I've had a pretty nice life though.

I can't wait to see what happens next.
Same here. I just go with the flow.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
28,869
10,375
113
#8
Reminds me of a song by Chris rice, about a magician who came to town every November and put on a show, and how he wished he had a magic wand of his own.

I would wave it
Over me and over you
And over all this crazy world
And make it right
There's so much I'd like to change
If I could take the easy way

Nah...

The only way to make a change
Is simple choices every day
Obey the spirit's whisper in My mind
With the help of God
A little time
Can change a heart, renew in mind
Without a magic wand
To work a miracle
 

Texasgal

Active member
Feb 15, 2025
449
89
28
#9
I joined the Navy, and then police academy. After a while I realized that I needed a side hustle to make ends meet. So I ventured into real estate and that’s gonna make me able to retire soon without having to be asking for handouts.

Too bad how the government are treating its veterans, be it the military or the police.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
22,054
7,583
113
63
#10
I joined the Navy, and then police academy. After a while I realized that I needed a side hustle to make ends meet. So I ventured into real estate and that’s gonna make me able to retire soon without having to be asking for handouts.

Too bad how the government are treating its veterans, be it the military or the police.
Were you coerced into law enforcement or the military? Did you not find out what the retirement benefits were ahead of time? While I appreciate your service, do feel that you are a victim?
 

Karlon

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2023
3,106
1,435
113
#11
Hey Everyone,

Lately, I've been taking a self-evaluation of my life, and have been thinking about all the times I was going to "start a new life," whether because of a finishing a degree, moving to a new area, starting a new job, joining a new church, or a combination of everything all at once.

I have to say that for the most part, I didn't have any life-changing transformations -- my life didn't suddenly become more exciting or somehow more glamourous as I might have naively thought -- and in the end, it kind of all reverted back into the "same old, same old" version of my life in every new reiteration I tried.

It reminds me of the original animated version of The Little Mermaid, where all of the sea residents jubilantly perform their showpiece song, "Under the Sea." All the animals are joyously smiling, singing, laughing, and dancing, surely living out their best lives in that moment:

View attachment 275719

But the second the music stops, every single creature lets their happy, joyous smile drop, fall, and fade back into what it was before, while everyone slinks off "back to business" in their own little corners under the sea.

View attachment 275720



* Why do we all get so excited for "a new life," when so often, things just seem to resort back to the mean?

* Is it just human nature to try to imagine ourselves in a grander state of being than what we really are? (Since, after all, our end goal is heaven.)

* What events have triggered thoughts of, "I'm going to start a brand-new life!" for you? Graduating? Getting married? Moving? Having Kids? A new job or career?

* How did it go? Did you find the "new life" you were looking for -- or did it all somehow seem to go back to being the same?

* Were you left feeling satisfied or disappointed -- and are you still looking for something that will kick off another "new start"?

I realize that whatever it is I'm searching is something I won't find this side of heaven.

But I'd like to hear stories from other people who have experienced this too, and how they cope with the longing in the meantime, until God calls us home.
1. i was excited about a new life to start when i moved out of mom & dad's house after being beaten severely.
2. yes, human nature indeed. it is proper to imagine bigger things because in our beginning, what did we really have as kids or teens unless you were born into a rich family? i'm a classic case, i came from poor parents & started with nothing.
3. being beaten & moving out told me to start a brand new life. when i became a born again Christian in 1993, by course, i started a new life. all born again Christians start new lives.
4. considering my upbringing & being born legally blind, i am very well satisfied with the goals i accomplished & my life. i have done everything i wanted to except become a famous musician.
5. there's still time to change the road i'm on; speaking of music.
oh, don't forecast failure in advance, be positive, faithful & trusting. get people to assist you. i hope you reach your interests seoulsearch.
 
Feb 15, 2025
449
89
28
#14
So why the complaint?
That’s because the authorities are not treating veterans like they should.

It should not be necessary for veteran organizations to be the ones doing all the heavy lifting for the veterans. The states and the federal government should be doing that.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
22,054
7,583
113
63
#15
That’s because the authorities are not treating veterans like they should.

It should not be necessary for veteran organizations to be the ones doing all the heavy lifting for the veterans. The states and the federal government should be doing that.
But you knew this, or should have known, before choosing the career. While I agree that those who offer the greatest service often reap the fewest rewards, if compensation is known beforehand, complaining afterwards seems petty. The outcome was predictable.
 
Feb 15, 2025
449
89
28
#16
But you knew this, or should have known, before choosing the career. While I agree that those who offer the greatest service often reap the fewest rewards, if compensation is known beforehand, complaining afterwards seems petty. The outcome was predictable.
Clearly I’m not complaining about my own situation. No one is getting coerced into the military, but fact is that it is often the only way out of poverty.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
7,733
2,367
113
#17
Is there anyone that comes into this world not going to get beat up by it? Every birthday is just another round in the ring of life. Just keep your dukes up.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
22,054
7,583
113
63
#18
Clearly I’m not complaining about my own situation. No one is getting coerced into the military, but fact is that it is often the only way out of poverty.
Again I agree, but many have learned skills in the service that allow for employment beyond the military, and the GI bill allows for further educational advancement.
 
Feb 15, 2025
449
89
28
#19
Again I agree, but many have learned skills in the service that allow for employment beyond the military, and the GI bill allows for further educational advancement.
All of what you say is accurate, but I’m thinking about those veterans who are so damaged psychologically and physically that they can’t benefit from learned skills or the GI bill.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
22,054
7,583
113
63
#20
All of what you say is accurate, but I’m thinking about those veterans who are so damaged psychologically and physically that they can’t benefit from learned skills or the GI bill.
Due to medical advances, those who would have perished in war now survive. The system hasn't adapted well to this. It's cheaper to pay death benefits than ongoing care. But I wasn't responding to any of this. I was responding to your lament that you would need to keep working post military career. Perhaps I misunderstood your meaning because I agree that government could do better. But the military has done some very positive things for many people. And as long as there are unlimited wants and limited resources, someone will always fall through the cracks.