I have gone through the same thought process, and I like to think of it as positive nihilism. The fact that everything is temporary and nothing really matters means that meaning & importance are created in our minds. That can help to give yourself permission to spend your limited time on things that (for whatever reason) matter to YOU.

Edit: early 40s here. I got a fun fast car in my mid 20s. I plan to get another one in a few years, but my mid life crisis involved building a koi pond in my back yard and getting more family pets in general. It helps that I turned 40 in 2020 when there was a lot of time to spend around the house. It’s totally a “me” thing, and I love it every day.

[–] AmbientChaos@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I tried to lean into that as well, something like nothing matters so you can do whatever makes you happy! I couldn't quiet get it to work for myself, but I know several very happy people living by that philosophy.

The koi pond + pets solution definitely sounds like the right move! Having pets during the pandemic kept me sane.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of fun car did you get and what are you thinking of getting? I'm a big car guy and love hearing about people's cars :D

[–] Zink@programming.dev 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Absolutely! When my sensible reliable used ‘99 Honda Accord sedan(with a 5 speed!) blew a freaking cylinder valve on a road trip, I got myself a 2006 WRX. Damned good car. It kept me safe when it got totaled by some asshat in a pickup truck, and got replaced with the family SUV. But we have a 2012 Mazda 3 too, and that’s what I drive on my back country road to work!

My next car, once I’m ready, I hope to essentially be the electric upgrade to the WRX. The best example right now is probably a Tesla model 3 performance. Basically, dual motor AWD with the instant low-end torque and super car 0-60 of ~3 seconds — if that can be part of my daily life for normal-car-ish cost (given that I am also into cars) it seems like a loss to not have that experience in my life.

There are already some great alternatives out there, but given the changing market right now, whichever car I get might not even exist yet.

[–] AmbientChaos@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

Nice! I had a 1995 Accord coupe, a 2005 Accord coupe, and a 2015 Accord coupe. Loved those cars, amazing daily drivers that had a splash of fun and style. It's truly a tragedy they discontinued it.

WRXs are rad, excellent choices! A friend of mine rented a Model 3 Performance and took me for a ride in it. The acceleration is absurd!