Discover the Secret to Truly Living, Not Just Existing

Dare to Live: Unpacking Oscar Wilde's Wisdom

In the eloquent words of Oscar Wilde, "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." This significant statement poses an unavoidable question: Are you truly living or merely existing?

Existing is getting through each day, entrapped in the monotony, barely scratching the surface of what life has to offer. Living, on the other hand, is immersing yourself fully, savoring each moment, and seeking out joy and fulfillment. It's about making conscious choices that align with your innermost desires and values.

Let me share with you a chapter from my life. There was a time when I, too, was merely existing. Days blurred into nights and weeks into months. I was on autopilot, carried along by routine and expectation, failing to realize I was in the driver's seat of my life. But then, a health diagnosis and an unexpected divorce slapped me in the face. I decided to change the narrative, embracing my role as a survivor. I chose to live, truly live, with a growth mindset and resilient spirit.

Life's Final Class: Unveiling the Top 5 Regrets of the Dying

Have you ever contemplated what your final thoughts might be as you reflect on your life?

Bronnie Ware, an Australian nurse, had a rare window into this profound stage of life. Working in palliative care, she spent many years attending to patients in their last 12 weeks of life. This deeply intimate setting allowed her to listen, comfort, and learn from those facing the ultimate journey we all must take.

In her compelling book, "Top Five Regrets of the Dying," Ware reveals the most common regrets she heard. They are:

1. "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."
2. "I wish I hadn't worked so hard."
3. "I wish I had the courage to express my feelings."
4. "I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends."
5. "I wish I had let myself be happier."

Each regret offers a touching insight into our lives. It highlights areas of life we often neglect while pursuing social norms or battling personal insecurities. The desire for authenticity, a balanced work-life, expressing feelings, maintaining relationships, and personal happiness are fundamental elements of a fulfilling life. Yet, they are often overlooked until it's too late.

But you have an opportunity – right here, right now.

You can learn from these common regrets, not as sad warnings, but as helpful signs to guide your life's journey. They can help you prioritize what truly matters and avoid the same pitfalls. 

Dare to Defy: Summoning the Courage to Embrace Change and Live Authentically

Have you ever felt a twinge of unease when considering a significant change in your life? If so, you're not alone. Change, big or small, can be overwhelming. It's human nature to crave stability, predictability, even when it means clinging to lifestyles or habits that no longer serves you well.

That fear often leads you down a path of posturing. You put on the mask of satisfaction, telling yourself and others that you're content with your current circumstances. Perhaps it's the well-trodden career path that's grown dull, or the relationship that's lost its spark. Yet you persist, convincing yourself it's "good enough."

However, "good enough" often comes at a steep cost. It robs you of joy, silliness, and true expression. You may avoid the discomfort of change, but in doing so, you sacrifice genuine happiness. You bottle up your desires, your dreams, your feelings, all to maintain a façade of contentment.

But what if you chose to face your fears head-on? What if you summoned the courage to live a life true to yourself?

Imagine the liberation of expressing your feelings without hesitation. Picture the joy of pursuing a passion that makes your heart sing. Envision the deep connections formed by being your authentic self, unguarded and unfiltered.

This is your life. It's the only one you get. So why not live it on your terms?

I encourage you to take one small step towards authenticity. Maybe it's voicing an opinion you've kept quiet, dusting off an old hobby, or just saying 'no' when you mean it. Small actions can often lead to significant transformations.

Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's choosing to act despite it. So, muster up that bravery and start living your true life, not the life others expect of you.

Every butterfly must dare to break free from its cocoon to truly soar.

Take the Reigns: Your Bucket List Awaits

Reflect for a moment.

What's that one thing you used to do, that used to bring a smile to your face? Maybe it was painting watercolors on lazy Sunday afternoons, or maybe it was those weekly coffee catchups with your best friend that always ended in a fit of laughter.

Perhaps, it was that quiet morning walk in the park, where the only sound was the crunch of leaves beneath your shoes.

Whatever it was, ask yourself this: Why did you stop?

Life often gets in the way of your small joys. Jobs, responsibilities, chores... they all seem to pile up, leaving little room for the things you genuinely love. But it's time to rediscover those forgotten passions that used to light up your day.

I'm challenging you to take the first step. Start a bucket list. Yes, a bucket list. A list of things you want to do, things you've been putting off, things that spark joy in your heart. Be as wild or as simple as you wish. It could be as grand as traveling to a foreign country or as simple as reading that book that's been sitting on your shelf for months.

But here's the catch. You must set a deadline. Without it, your bucket list might just become a wish list. Deadlines bring a sense of urgency and commitment. They whisper, "It's now or never".

By starting this list, you are taking an intentional step towards living a life without regrets. Each item you cross off is a testament to your courage and commitment to not just exist, but to truly live.

When I began my new journey, I started with baby steps, making conscious decisions, seeking joy, and embracing the unexpected. It wasn't easy, but it was, and continues to be, worth every effort.

Has there ever been a moment in your life where you felt like you were just 'going through the motions'? Have you ever questioned if there’s more to life than your current routine? I invite you to ponder these questions. Reflect on your journey and contemplate whether you're living your life to the fullest or merely existing.

Because the truth is, we all have the capacity to live a life that’s full, vibrant, and true to ourselves. We just need to awaken it. At the end of the day, you're not just adding to a list. You're adding to your life.

Get started today. Don't just exist, live! You've got this! 💪🦋