I could not imagine my life without it, and it is a very normal life I lead. but honestly, just keeping in a state of relative contentment is very hard nowadays (so much happening so quickly, so many options offered which one will never take...) and meditation helps me center myself, and breathe like my body has been programmed to for millenia. It is very helpful, and I can only recommend getting through the dofficult early stages, and making it a natural, joyful part of your day to day life - no hocus pocus, no easy solutions. Just breathe and live.