Are you living life or are you just going through the motions?

It is easy to get the two confused. Times change and sometimes what once made you feel alive becomes something you do just cause that’s what you do.

It’s normal for us to get caught up in the motions. As humans, we thrive for routine because it is what is comfortable for us. We like to know what’s going on and what will happen next. We stay within the bubble that we create in fear that stepping outside of it may shake up everything we know.

Going through the motions feels a lot like living. You still wake up in the morning. You still have a pulse. And you still put your pants on one leg after the other. You talk to people and make plans. Everything feels normal because it’s what you do day in and day out. Somedays you feel content or even happy, but most days you don’t even recognize a mood at all. You’re just there; doing what you always do, and talking about things you dream of doing.

Living life is a little different. Yes, you still wake up; but you make some different choices. You decide to try that new coffee instead of sticking to your regular order. You decide to take a scenic route to work rather than the freeway. You say what’s on your mind rather than holding your tongue in fear of upsetting those around you. And most importantly, you decide to take hold of some of your dreams.

Every so often I feel myself slipping. I find myself going through days without really feeling anything. I laugh and smile, but there is nothing that sparks a fire in my soul. Nothing that makes me yearn for more. Nothing that makes me feel like I am living.

I’ll find myself becoming complacent. Not necessarily happy with where I am, but not striving for more. I see changes that can be made. I know the things I can push myself to do to make me feel alive. Yet I choose to stay within the walls I’ve built. I choose to go along with the motions by not causing any waves, which really isn’t living at all.

It’s true, we only get one life. We have no idea how long it may or may not be. So why not live it to the fullest. Put aside your desires to please those around you, and for once choose yourself. Once you begin to choose yourself, everything begins to change. Once you decide to take hold of some of your dreams, your life will begin.

With living comes knowing you can always start over. Mistakes are a part of living. You will not always like the choices made, but you can make changes and start over. You cannot let the fear of failure keep you back from taking a hold of your life.

So choose to live. Choose you. Do the things that will make you feel a fire in your soul. Do not be afraid of mistakes or the opinions of those around you. Remember that everyone around you is living their own lives or just going with the motions. Once you choose yourself, once you begin to live, your self worth and self love will blossom into something you never could have imagined.

“Existing is going through the motions of life with no sea and feeling you have no control: living mean embracing all that this large world has to offer and not being afraid to take chances. The beauty of living is knowing you can always start over and there’s always a chance for something better.” – J’son M. Lee