The Difference Between Living and Existing
Do you live life, or do you just exist?
If you look up the definition of “to live” you will find that one of the definitions states “to experience or enjoy to the full” (dictionary.com), but Mirriam-Webster’s definition gives a meatier definition, “to have a life rich in experience.”
The definition of “to exist,” on the other hand, is agreed upon by both dictionary sites: “To continue to be.”
At every stage of our lives, it is important to evaluate whether we are living our lives or if we have become complacent and are just existing.
What did you do last month that made you feel like you were actually living?
- Was it learning something new? (a new language, more about a topic that interested you)
- Was it pushing yourself a fraction beyond your limit? (one more step on the treadmill, one more lap around the block)
- Did you try something new? (a new way to be active, a new recipe)
- Did you, as my hubby puts it, dance like no one was watching?
How did you find yourself just existing?
- Did you find yourself worrying if you were going to be able to pay your rent and put food on the table?
- Did you find yourself at odds with your children about distance learning or just being in the same space 24/7?
- Did you find yourself sitting in front of the television, or playing video games, for hours on end?
- Did you find yourself wondering if the pandemic was ever going to end?
Life is a fine balance between existing and living. In many cases, it is our curiosity that urges us to live instead of just existing. Nurture your curiosity. Feed your curiosity. And when you have a choice, choose LIVING.
Even now, when things are opening back up and in some cases closing back down, you can choose LIVING instead of EXISTING.
How?
#1 – Get out of your home and go for a walk. Observe the way the seasons and the world are changing.
#2 – Opt for educational shows on stations like National Geographic or The History Channel instead of the news channels that depress you or make you angry.
#3 – Pull out a book and read. A good fiction book can transport you to a different time and place.
#4 – Dabble in a new craft.
#5 – Call a friend or family member and connect.
If you have any other ideas on how to live life and not just exist, please share them in the comments below.
Thanks for reading.
AND
