Are you living..

[one_voice]

or are you existing?

All this talk about living according to society's standards, makes me wonder how many people are REALLY living their life?

Personally I don't give a rat's ass what anyone thinks I should be. I'm gonna do what I'm gonna do, I'm going to be who I am.

Anyone else?

[RandomThoughts]

1. heh, that is a good question.

Certain things I require to do the things that would be more align with what people would say is 'living' I don't do.

For instance I think without having stability in things like finances, there are things that would be unfair for me to do.

Or some things I might do I don't because of other projects, and some limitations because of some choices I make.



However, I listen to lots of music, occasionally walk in the park, and for awhile was even able to afford nights out listening to music at a local bar. Plus I think, and spend much time in contemplation.


So yea I am living, but it is not the life I expected, nor the best one, but those things are choices, so over all yea I am living, and although dissatisfied with many conditions, understand them also.


As far as if I am existing, not sure about that one.

[one_voice]

3. Yes,

But even with it not the life you expected, you're living just the same. And that's what's important.

I have a friend, who's entire life revolved around working. Sure he had lots of material things, but he was always unhappy. He didn't have a "life". He quit his job, down scaled, and is the happiest I've ever seen him, as are his wife and children. He's now living life. Whether it's a day fishing with his children, or sitting on the deck with his wife watching the sun go down.

He was kind of a mindless drone, just going through the motions, he never took the time to see there was so much more around him. I'm glad he woke up before it was too late.

[kayakjohnny]

2. Yes! I'm living so hard and thoroughly I can hardly get out of my own way.

I have a million things that interest me, I get to play every day. As well as work. And care for others.

But I'm a great multi-tasker and I get so much with my time, I can hardly believe it.

And I still have (at 53) plenty of raw energy to back it up.

I live hard and full because the clock is ticking, on me and on all of us.

And I can look back on my life with great satisfaction, at this point.

Jack London said it best....

"I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."

[elocs]

4. I'm just existing and doing it quite comfortably considering I am dirt poor.

I'm really not motivated to do much of anything. Actually I love doing nothing and I am satisfied with things as they are.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear one_voice!

I am LIVING. Damn right...

When I write a poem, or take a really good picture, or am making love...

I am alive then. And at other times too...

Being bold enough to say what I think, regardless of the consequences.

Sometimes it's scary, sometimes people get on my case, sometimes people hate me for who I am...It's true...

I don't care. This is who I am. Deal with it.

I read this quote once: Every man dies. But few really live...

I take up space, and I am worth it...

[one_voice]

7. Ms. Peggy...

The quote :Every man dies...but few really live..is what I'm talking about. So many people don't the difference between existing and living.

Obviously, you're not one of those people. I think "really living" is different for each person. I'm always happy to hear that someone is living life to the hilt. Whatever your definition of the "hilt" is.

My grandmother was divorced in a time when you didn't get divorced. Though times were often tough for her-at least at first-, she enjoyed her life because she lived it on her terms. And never regretted the decision to get that divorce, it opened up the world to her.

Rock on sister!

:fistbump:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Thanks!

:fistbump:

:hug:

[femmocrat]

6. Some of each.

I consider going to work every day as an existence. True living is what I do on vacations and weekends.

As soon as I can retire I plan on living large! :hi:

[Dr. Strange]

9. Reminds me of a quote from the ancient Mentat called Pearten.

To you, is it movement, or is it action?
Is it contact or just reaction?
And you, revolution, just resistance?
Is it living, or just existence?
Yeah, you!
It takes a little more persistence to get up and go the distance.

[unpossibles]

10. most of the time

Sometimes I am just existing. Even when I stress about money or my job or love (or lack thereof), I always try to make time for things like making music, dancing, reading, walking in nature, meeting people, etc.

And then I stress about those too....

[azmouse]

11. I live my life in my own way.

I went to a Diamondbacks game today and had a great time!

[fishwax]

12. l-i-v-i-n