Are You Living or Existing? Embrace the Power of Purposeful Living

Dear Sweet Friends,

Life is a precious gift, a beautiful journey filled with endless possibilities. Yet many of us go through the motions, merely existing rather than truly living. It’s all too easy to fall into the routine of daily life, stuck in the never-ending cycle of work, chores, and responsibilities. But are you content with just existing, or do you crave more?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the difference between living and existing, provide guidance on how to discern which path you’re on, and offer actionable steps to help you transition from existing to living through the practice of purposeful living.

The Difference Between Living and Existing

Before we delve deeper into this profound question, let’s clarify the distinction between living and existing. Existing is when you wake up, perform your daily tasks, and go to bed without feeling a sense of fulfillment or joy. It’s the state of merely surviving, a mechanical existence driven by routine, obligations, and external expectations. Existing often leads to a sense of emptiness as you drift through life without purpose or direction.

How can you tell you are just existing?

1. You’re Stuck in a Monotonous Routine– Existing manifests as a monotonous routine where every day feels like a repetition of the last. You wake up, go to work, come home, watch TV, and go to bed with little variation or excitement.
2. You’re Driven by Fear and Inertia– Individuals who are just existing are often held back by fear. Fear of failure, change, and the unknown can keep you trapped in a comfort zone that stifles personal growth and exploration.
3. You Feel Constantly Stressed and Exhausted– The mere act of just existing can be marked by a perpetual state of stress and exhaustion. The demands of daily life become overwhelming, leaving you little time or energy for self-care or pursuing your passions.
4. You Maintain Superficial Relationships– Individuals who experience a life of just existing tend to engage in superficial or transactional relationships. You may have many acquaintances but few deep connections. These connections may lack emotional depth and leave you feeling isolated.
5. You’ve Abandoned Your Dreams– If you’ve given up on your dreams or no longer have a clear sense of purpose, you may be existing rather than living. People who are living, hold onto their aspirations and actively work toward them.

And then there is “Living”

Living is a conscious and intentional choice to embrace life fully. It’s about being present in each moment, savoring the beauty of existence, and enthusiastically pursuing your passions. If you don’t have a passion, living means exploring your likes or dislikes.  Exploring and getting curious about finding what sparks your interest, joy, and/or enthusiasm is a great way to start living. Living means pursuing your dreams, setting goals, and nurturing meaningful connections. It’s about finding purpose and joy in life’s everyday experiences. 

How can you tell you are living?

1. You Embrace Challenges and Growth– Individuals living life to the fullest welcome challenges and view them as opportunities for personal growth. When you’re living, you’re not afraid to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and take calculated risks. You see every obstacle as a chance to learn and improve.
2. You Experience Joy and Passion- Living means experiencing moments of genuine joy and passion. You have hobbies, interests, and activities that ignite your soul. Whether painting, playing a musical instrument, traveling, or any other pursuit, these activities bring you happiness and a sense of purpose.
3. You Cultivate Meaningful Relationships– People living versus existing prioritize their relationships and invest time and effort into nurturing them. You surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you, and you reciprocate by being there for them. Genuine connections and shared experiences enrich your life.
4. You Set and Pursue Goals– Living entails setting meaningful goals and actively working toward them. You have a vision for your future and take consistent steps to turn that vision into reality. Achieving your goals gives you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
5. You Practice Mindfulness– Living involves being present in the moment and savoring life’s small pleasures. You take the time to appreciate the beauty in everyday occurrences, whether it’s a sunrise, a smile from a stranger, or the taste of your favorite meal.

How to Start Living?

Now that you’ve gained insight into the differences between living and existing, it’s time to explore how you can transition from the latter to the former.

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness

The first step in moving from existence to living is self-awareness. Take the time to reflect on your life, values, and aspirations. What makes you truly happy? What are your passions and dreams? Understanding yourself is key to living authentically.

2. Discover Your Purpose

Living a purposeful life begins with understanding your unique mission or calling. Your purpose is the driving force behind your existence. It gives your life meaning and direction. To discover your purpose, take time for introspection. Ask yourself:

• What brings me the most joy and fulfillment?
• What am I naturally good at?
• What problems or causes am I passionate or curious about?
• How can I make a positive impact on the world?

Your purpose might evolve over time, but identifying it is the first step towards living a more meaningful life. Once you have clarity, you can align your actions and decisions with your purpose, making every day more purposeful and fulfilling. Reminder: if you do not feel you have a purpose, try new things, follow your curiosity, step outside your comfort zone, and see what resonates and sparks your interest.

3. Set Meaningful Goals

Goals provide a roadmap for your life’s journey. They give you a sense of direction and accomplishment. To make the most out of life, set short-term and long-term goals that align with your purpose. Break them down into actionable steps and celebrate your achievements along the way.  Setting and pursuing goals adds excitement and purpose to your life and pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and grow as an individual. Each accomplishment brings a sense of fulfillment that propels you forward in your quest to truly live.

4. Embrace Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, free from judgment and distraction. It’s about savoring the beauty of life as it unfolds before you. By cultivating mindfulness, you can transform routine tasks into meaningful experiences.  Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily life through meditation, deep breathing, or simply paying attention to your surroundings.

When you’re fully present, you’ll notice the richness of life’s simple pleasures – the warmth of the sun on your skin, the taste of your favorite meal, or the sound of laughter shared with loved ones. Check out our Roses For Your Thought Journal, which is a great beginner’s journal for those starting their mindfulness, intentional living journey.

5. Cultivate Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting your perspective from what you lack to what you have. When you focus on the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem, you create a positive mindset that enhances your overall well-being.  Start a gratitude journal and regularly jot down things you’re thankful for. It could be the support of your friends and family, the opportunities you’ve been given, or the beauty of nature around you. Practicing gratitude helps you appreciate the richness of your existence and fosters a more profound sense of contentment.

6. Nurture Meaningful Relationships

Life is enriched by the relationships we cultivate. Meaningful connections with friends, family, and loved ones provide emotional support, create lasting memories, and offer a sense of belonging. To truly live, invest time and effort in nurturing these relationships. Listen actively, show appreciation, and be present when you’re with others. Engage in meaningful conversations, share your thoughts and feelings, and be there for your loved ones in times of need. These bonds will add depth to your life and provide a safety net during challenging times.

7. Embrace Challenges

Challenges are inherent in life, and how you face them can significantly impact your experience. Instead of avoiding difficulties, embrace them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. When you overcome challenges, you gain confidence and resilience, making you better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. Remember that sometimes the most significant achievements often come from pushing through adversity. Whether it’s pursuing a new career, starting a family, or conquering a personal fear, facing challenges head-on is a vital aspect of truly living.

8. Pursue Your Passions

Passions are the sparks that ignite your soul and make life more vibrant. Whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or any other creative pursuit, make time for the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Pursuing your passions not only enhances your well-being but also adds depth and meaning to your life. Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back from exploring your interests. Embrace your creativity, and remember that the journey of self-expression is a fundamental part of living with purpose.

Last Sweet Words

Are you living or existing? The choice is ultimately yours. Life is a magnificent adventure waiting to be explored, a gift filled with opportunities for growth, joy, and fulfillment. By discovering your purpose, setting meaningful goals, practicing mindfulness, cultivating gratitude, nurturing relationships, embracing challenges, and pursuing your passions, you can shift from a state of mere existence to a truly lived life. On the other hand, existing is characterized by monotony, fear, stress, and superficiality.

But the good news is that it’s never too late to shift from existence to living. Remember, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the process of living authentically and embracing all that life has to offer.  So, take that first step today. Start living, not just existing, and watch as your life transforms into a beautiful tapestry of joy, purpose, and fulfillment.