> I'm wondering, what does life mean to you people? What keeps you going? What is important?
>
> I'm asking this in all seriousness, so, please, no silly responses. Light-hearted is okay, but don't say anything like "doughnuts."

I guess I'll be the first one to dish out my feelings on this one. I'm a little apprehensive about doing it though. Lemme 'splain:

I'm still in the middle of figuring this one out myself, as I'm sure most of us are. A lot of how I feel is based on a deep-rooted faith, and complete love of God. I know my life has a purpose, and that God has a plan for it, yet I haven't seen it fully yet. I believe that He opens my eyes to bits and pieces at a time in order to help me see what His ultimate goal is for my life. So, if you really want to know the meaning - or rather, purpose - of life, I'd have to say, in my humble opinion, it's to search and seek God's will for your life. And with each piece of meaning that He gives you, to apply it the way He would will.

Of course the above will vary depending on a persons religious beliefs, and I'm sure there will be different answers.

Anyway, you also asked, "What keeps you going?" I think the above may also answer most of that question. I mean, finding God's plan for my life is an intense motivator for life. But, I'd like to expand beyond that a little bit. There are many things that keep me going. My family is one of them. Even though my family has had it's fair share of troubles, there is a love between all of us that is very strong. We've been through so many terrible things, such as divorce, my stepfather's death, etc. that we've learned to rely on the love that we have for each other. I'm very lucky and blessed to have that kind of love in the home, and I do my best never to forget that.

Ok, now for number 3, "What is important?" I think I'd change this to, "Who is important?" My list goes straight down the line. God first, then my family, and then my friends. Without them (all of them) my life would be incomplete. But, as for what is important, it's having a love for those three, and then many other things. It's important to me, to work hard, to accomplish much. And it's important to reach for my dreams, as long as they are in step with God's plans. I mean you all know I've started my own business, and that was a big dream of mine. I can't begin to think of anything, besides school, that is more important to me right now. Of course the future will hold even more than I can think of right now. Maybe marriage, maybe children. Who knows? For now, I put my faith in God that He will be with me through everything.

fam "And yes, doughnut's are very important" ous