Living or Existing?
And so it goes. Day by day, year by year. It’s life. Do we LIVE it or do we EXIST in it?
Do we say things like” “I’ll be happy when _________?” or “Life will be great when ____________?”
These thoughts keep us focused on the future and are messages to self that life can’t be enjoyed or satisfying until those things occur. Even from week to week, we tend to have this perspective as we say things like “living for the weekend”.
As we are so intently focused on getting to the weekend, we miss the LIFE that happens during the other 120 hours. Do we not eat and breathe during those hours? Are we not supposed to enjoy and LIVE during those hours? Are there no “GOOD” things in that time period?
I propose that our “expected” good time – those WHEN days – will be even better if we look every day for all the little moments of joy, peace, and happiness. Take time to notice and appreciate the colors of a sunrise, sunset, rainbow. Feel the energy of a child’s laughter – it’s not fake but the real deal. – watch his/her eyes sparkle with excitement. Allow yourself child-like moments to FEEL the joy around you. The ultra-seriousness of adulthood is bullshit!
Yes, it’s cliche’ – but have you stopped to smell the roses lately? Have you truly FELT a gentle breeze or snowflakes or raindrops and just been “in” THAT moment? Have you put away your cell phone, computer, etc and had a REAL conversation with someone? Have you smiled at a stranger on the street or in the store? Smiles can be contagious and we just never know how much difference it might make to the other person.
When did you truly notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you? If you don’t like what you see, are you taking any positive action to change it? Or are you just complaining and hoping someone does something? Remember … YOU are “someone” and you never know what can be accomplished if you don’t try.
So do you know the answer – are you living or just merely existing?
