1. Introduction: Why Do We Start Questioning the Meaning of Life?

“Do I have a reason to live?”

This is a question that many people ask themselves.
For those who have acquired a severe disability later in life, this question can feel even heavier.

• There are more things I can’t do than before.
• People around me seem to look at me differently.
• I feel like I’m not contributing to my family or society.

These thoughts pile up, leading to the painful question: “Do I have any worth?”

At the same time, I kept telling myself,
“I have to keep going for my family.”
“If I don’t push myself, I’ll just be a burden.”
“If I don’t work hard, I have no value.”

Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that I had no choice but to keep trying.

But one day, I suddenly realized something:
Who decided that I have to keep trying just because I’m disabled?

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2. The Belief That “I Must Keep Trying Because I Am Disabled”

There is a deeply rooted idea in society:

• “Disabled people must work harder to prove their worth.”
• “Struggling and overcoming challenges is what gives life meaning.”
• “You must contribute to society to have value.”

This way of thinking is not just imposed by society—it’s something that disabled people themselves start believing.

People admire disabled individuals who “work hard despite their struggles,” while those who don’t push themselves may be seen as lazy or lacking motivation.

But does that mean that life is only meaningful if we’re constantly working hard?

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3. Realizing That “Simply Existing Has Value”

Let’s take a moment to think about what makes a person valuable.

Take babies and the elderly, for example.
Are they valuable only because they are useful to society?

Of course not.

A baby is loved simply for existing.
Elderly people are cherished just for being themselves.

So why is it that when someone becomes disabled, they suddenly feel like they must prove their worth through effort?

This is an idea imposed by society.
And once we recognize this, we can finally start to let go of the guilt that tells us, “I must keep trying.”

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4. Breaking Free from the Curse of “I Must Keep Trying”

Working hard is not a bad thing.
But when effort becomes a duty, it turns into a burden.

• If I don’t push myself, my family will suffer.
• If I don’t contribute to society, I have no purpose.
• If I don’t work hard, my life is meaningless.

These thoughts slowly eat away at us until we reach a point where struggling becomes our default mode of existence.

But here’s the truth:
Even if you stop pushing yourself, you still have value.
Even if you don’t achieve anything, your life is still meaningful.

By realizing this, we can finally start lifting the weight of expectation off our shoulders.

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5. Having the Courage to Let Go of the Need to Keep Trying

Some people might think that “letting go of effort” means “giving up” or “being lazy.”
But that’s not true.

Letting go of the need to always push yourself means choosing not to sacrifice yourself for others.

For those who have spent their whole lives believing that effort equals worth, this shift in thinking can be difficult.

But if you’re feeling exhausted and drained, try saying this to yourself:

• “It’s okay to rest today.”
• “I am allowed to take a break.”
• “I have value just by being here.”

These words are something we all need to hear sometimes.

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6. Conclusion: You Are Amazing Just by Being Alive

If you have ever asked yourself, “Do I have a reason to live?” I want to tell you this:

You are amazing just by being alive.
You don’t need to achieve anything or prove your worth.
You are valuable just as you are.

Life is not a competition.
It’s not something to compare with others.

What matters most is that you live in a way that feels right for you.

If you’ve been feeling trapped by the thought, “I must keep trying,” maybe it’s time to let yourself rest.

And remember:

The people who love you—your family, your friends—
They don’t love you because of what you accomplish.

They love you simply because you are you.