Have you ever asked yourself: Do I live or exist? I have asked myself this question frequently. Why am I here on Earth? Have I truly lived the fullest life? Do I use the gifts that God gives to me? Have I made the most out of my remaining time on Earth?
I do not know anything about you. But I guess you are thinking about your life and ask yourself these questions too, for you are curious enough to read my blog. Let us dive in and find the answer together.
The Difference Between Living and Existing
Existing means doing something necessary to stay alive and survive. People who are existing wander in life without any specific direction. Either they do not have any purpose, or they are afraid to go after their dream. In general, someone who exists often feels everything is out of his or her control. In other words, they accept their fate and do not dare to fight for their happiness.
Living means enjoying your life and savoring every moment of it. Living is associated with dreams, joy, passion, enthusiasm, purpose, and interests for life. People who are living know what they want for life. They live with a clear purpose, and they are willing to do whatever to make their dream come true. They work and live with passion.
The Role of Emotions
Emotions have a significant role in distinguishing living and existing. According to Cherry Kenda, the Author, Educator, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist, “Emotions can play an important role in how we think and behave. The emotions we feel each day can compel us to take action and influence the decisions we make about our lives, both large and small.”[1] If we let our emotions dictate what we can and cannot do, we will never achieve anything in our life. Fear will stop us from chasing after our dream. Our brain is designed to protect us from doing some harmful things. Whenever we are trying some new ideas, the amygdala (the emotional center of the brain) will send a message to stop us, because it is afraid that we will do some dangerous things that can harm ourselves. Therefore, we must learn how to control our emotions and thoughts.
What distinguishes successful people from failing people is emotional intelligence, which is the ability to understand our own emotions and how it affects our behavior and performance. Do not let the small voice in the back of our head interfere in our lives. We are the owner of our lives; we must stand up for our rights and work toward our goals.
The Choice is Ours
In life, things happen to us and around us, but the only thing that truly matters is how we respond to it. Either we let our fear stop us from acting, or we keep moving forward. According to Napoleon Hill, the author of the book entitled The Law of Success in Sixteen Lessons, all successful people like Bill Gates or Henry Ford share two common outstanding qualities: A DEFINITE PURPOSE (what we want to achieve in life) and A FIRM DECISION. [2]Each is the master of their life. They directed their emotions toward what they want, to transform their dream into reality.
Obviously, procrastination robs us of an opportunity. In other words, the delay means defeat because we cannot make up lost time. Next time, if you fear to do something that you love to do, do not listen to the negative voice inside that is keeping you from reaching your dreams. Remind yourself that you are the product of your thoughts. Then ACT right away. The more you wait for the right moment, the more the fear will dominate your mind.
We have only one life to live. There is no guarantee that we will be here tomorrow. Let’s take the COVID 19 pandemic as an example. None of us knew ahead of time, that we would have had to deal with this infectious disease that would take the lives of more than half of million people worldwide, in just a few months. It is no doubt that we will never know what will happen to us tomorrow. Maybe today is my last day or yours on Earth. Then why do you let your fear stop you from enjoying your life and pursuing your dream?
Do you want all of your unachieved dreams haunted you at your deathbed? I believe you do not. Make every moment of your life count. Live your life to the fullest. Do not just exist in the world. Ask yourself, “What should I do to bring meaning to my life and contribute to this world?” When you know your purpose, go after that. Time will never wait for us. Do not just wish and dream. ACT and ACT. If you fail, stand up again and keep moving forward. Do not move back. MOVE FORWARD and keep moving forward. It is how we should live our lives. Remember: what is holding you to a life that you do not want to live, is a jail created by your mind.
Sources
[1] Kenda, Cherry. “The Purpose of Our Emotion: How Our Feelings Help Us to Survive and Thrive.” Accessed April 30, 2020. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-purpose-of-emotions-2795181
[2] Hill, Napoleon. The Law of Success in Sixteen Lessons. (California: BN Publishing, 2007). 440
