The difference between living and existing is very subtle, and most of the time we find ourselves transmigrating between the two. Living is doing endless things – doing things we have always wanted to do – fulfilling our dreams, chasing them and doing whatever it takes to catch them. Existing on the other hand, is merely breathing and doing the daily chores. Is existing in a mere vegetative state an ultimate goal of human life? Or is there something beyond the routine that is calling us from deep within, waiting patiently to give a ‘true’ meaning to our life?
“Living vs. Existing: Small Difference, Big Impact”
Many people are living on autopilot. They are just physically here or technically alive. They just let things happen and adjust to its outcome rather than controlling the situation or their lives by themselves. And dolorously, they narrow down their range of alternatives to take decisions and spend their entire life, or at least until it’s too late, in a suffocating circle. They procrastinate by saying, “Life is boring. It’s the same circle everyday. We’re just breathing until death knocks at our door.” No! You are the one doing it wrong. You’re just doing enough to get through the day and only doing the bare minimum to survive. No purpose or motivation. Doesn’t that explain why you struggle to get out of your bed in the morning?
The typical voices of our obscured society teaches us to be “normal”; go to a college, get a job, pay the bills, get married and have kids. These are only covering the necessities. And honestly, most people are only doing them for the sake of it and totally unaware of what is happening around. You may be reading this piece of writing without realizing that you could possibly be one of them. We have become dead fish and have been going along the customary flow for so long. What about the part where life actually begins? The part where we realize that we don’t have to fit into the format or do the exact same thing that everybody else is doing at the exact same time of their lives. And the part where we’re not only in control of our lives but also zealous about it.
Merely existing also means that you don’t even consider the thought that you could be doing something different with your lives even when you know what you are passionate about and what you want to do. There are basically two reasons why we are chained to this pattern. The first is because of what people might say. One major pit that we fall into is to be absorbed by what other people might think or say. It can be so deliberating that it interferes with your growth. The second is because it sounds too risky. Too risky to climb that mountain, too risky to take painting as a profession, too risky to change your career, too risky to do something that nobody is doing and too risky to choose what everybody is doing. It’s distressing how we let our fears and doubts sabotage our lives.
Mark Zuckerberg taught us that the biggest risk is not taking any risk at all because it is the only approach which is guaranteed to fail. So risk it no matter who or what tries to stop you. Here is a piece of advice that you don’t have to be bothered about the opinions of those to whom you won’t go for advice. Being a business student, one important thing I have learnt is that the biggest factor that triggers success is risk-taking. The bigger the risk, the greater the success. And today, I’m not particularly talking about business but about every aspect of life. There is a pain of staying the same and there is a pain of growth. Let us always have the courage to choose the latter, because, when we choose this, we choose to challenge ourselves to get better; and, ultimately live a more content and desired life.
Ask yourself a quick question, “If I were to die today, would I be happy with what I am doing with my life?” If the answer is no, then drop everything that you are doing. You are the protagonist of your life and this is your story. This isn’t Super Mario. You cannot live like you have many lives. You just have this one shot so make the most out of it. The mantra is simple – Don’t like it? Change it. If you’re not happy or enthusiastic about something, why do it? It’s time to get up and choose what you love, what excites and exhilarates you and do what you’re capable of. But, of course, if your interest is in being a terrorist or a serial killer, then my pep talk will be in a big question. Jokes apart, find your purpose and inspiration. Live a life that you are passionate about. Stop doing “normal”. Chase differently and you’ll eventually get to extraordinary.
A speaker once said, “Humans aren’t robots. We were not born with a switch or a remote controller. But we are given the freedom to choose”. Our life entirely depends on the choices we make and these choices are actually what makes our story different. The key to start living lies within the choices we make in life. So, what do you choose today – to exist or to live?
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Rinsit B Sareo, Meren Lemtur and Kvulo Lorin.
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