What do you folks feel are the really important things in life, and which used to seem important but turned out not to be? Right now I'm really struggling to find direction in my life, and could use advice from those who are more experienced. I used to think marriage and kids was my ultimate purpose, but now I'm not so certain, and don't know what to fill that void with.

To really feel at home with myself
Love who I am
Give to others, make someone happy
Be fit physically and mentally  
Less is more when it comes to stuff
When it comes to sex and intimacy more is bes

and mentally fit.  I treasure family time and being able to help others by giving time and talents to make the world better; one day at a time.

Fuck as many as you can in your life, that's important...

In my point of view: health,visage, money, power, strong erection/soft and tight pussy and possitive energy!

Now and always been number one. Learn to never take anyone for granted. You can always count on them.

Health, and friends.  

Fantastic summary of what is really important IMO Carolina. Thanks for that!!

three words peace of mind

and I would add

Turned 31 a few months ago.

These guys talking about family, they must have a great ones, that are so important to them, admirable, but for me family take a lot of time or even prevents me from hobbying, just my luck I guess. Fucking a lot of ladies right now is the most important for me before I tilt, maybe I'm in the catch out mode, fills all that void you talk about, that's my directions. so just sharing, fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck some more....

To start with--you asked us what WE thought was important but changed. I was born in the great depression and my dad's most important things were family and work. Later when I was old enough to understand he advised me to find an occupation that I really liked and go for it. I did and when I was preparing for it I met my wife. I made great choices. Fifty two years later I had been retired from an occupation I loved and then my wife died. We were fortunate and I still have a very supportive daughter, so I think family was the most important.
At 31 years old you will have another critical time in 20 years or so. Male menopause or mid-life crisis. Sporty new red car, whore hopping, depression, etc. Only you can decide if anything can replace the need for family. No one has a crystal ball to predict the future. So Good Luck

I'll answer both. Health, and a good atf!

So make the most of it, live it the way you want, fuck as many as you can fuck, in your life...

Interesting that at age 31 you've come to the 60 and Over forum for advise.  How I viewed the world and my place in it at age 31 was so much different than it is now at age 65.  I think the absolute best advise I could send your way is to enjoy the moments in your life as they happen.  That does not mean forgetting the past or not planning for the future.  What that means is being totally in the moments as they are happening, having learned from your mistakes of the past.  You can make your life miserable or pleasant, the choice is yours.  If you are not happy with who you are or what you are about in life, than the rest will be shit too.  Pursue the things in life that interest you.  Who knows, you may find yourself in a fulfilling career, or pick up a favorite hobby doing so.

Not becaus they aren't center to my core
They are my center
I am lucky to have 4 adult children and a granddaughter
We are one very close family that plays together and stays together
I was also surprised to read that the OP is 31
If I were to advise a 31 year old I would say enjoy being a husband and a dad love your work and live life to the fullest
Make each minute count.

-- Modified on 2/28/2015 3:31:23 PM

Sorry if it was breaching etiquette to post in the 60 and over section. Just wanted to hear advice from people who have been through their 30s and beyond, and have had time to reflect upon it. I'll be revisiting these responses often as I try to steer a course in life. Good point about being in the moment and enjoying the ride too... that something I need to remind myself of more often.

We welcome everyone

that bring you the most joy and happiness. And, only you can decide that. Those are the things you should be thinking about and doing. Other people can only tell you what makes them happy. Only you can decide what makes you happy. It shows at the top of this page that there are 28,583 users online. If all of them responded you would receive 28,582 different answers. Think about what makes you really happy, then go for it!

she is my best friend! makes me smile! and unconditional love,,,,
XO
Adopt a pet!! so many homless animals  - visit your local shelters!!!

Those things around you that we all take for granted like our health, our significant other, our mobility. Take stock of what you have and think about what your life would be like without them

peace of mind, peace of heart, I have resolved the bitterness in me
personal and financial security, I am set and ready for retirement
family and work,  a great grandpa now
intimate female affection, my atf truly gives me that