Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions of life, simply existing rather than truly living? It's a surprisingly common experience, but not one we often talk about. We can get so caught up in the demands of work, chores, and other obligations that it is easy to lose touch with that vibrant, energized feeling of being fully alive. 

Instead, we find ourselves merely existing - waking up, doing what we must do, and going to bed, only to repeat the cycle the next day. The spark seems to have gone out, replaced by a sense of monotony and dullness. We may still be functional and productive, but something essential feels like it's missing.

I've been there myself, and I know how disheartening and even depressing it can feel. But the good news is, it doesn't have to be that way. We can rediscover that zest for life and find ways to truly live again, rather than just exist.

So what exactly is the difference between living and existing? Existing is more of a passive state - it's going through the motions of daily life without much engagement or meaning behind it. It is sleepwalking through life! We exist in the sense that we are physically present and going about our normal routines, but our minds and spirits are not fully participating.

Living, on the other hand, is an active, engaged, and vibrant state of being. When we are truly living, we feel a sense of purpose, passion, and connection. We are mentally present and emotionally invested in our experiences. We feel alive, energized, and inspired.

Living involves things like:

- Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life

- Pursuing passions and interests that light us up

- Regularly trying new things and stepping out of our comfort zone

- Feeling deeply connected to the people and world around us

- Experiencing a range of emotions, both positive and negative

- Feeling a sense of growth, progress, and forward momentum

Existing, by contrast, is more about going through the motions and doing what's expected of us, without that vital sense of aliveness. It often looks like:

- Feeling bored, apathetic, or indifferent much of the time

- Doing the same things day in and day out without much variation

- Feeling disconnected from our interests, values, and relationships

- Experiencing a lack of inspiration, creativity, and motivation

- Feeling stuck in a rut or like we are just passing time

- Struggling to feel a true depth of emotion

While existing may feel easier and more comfortable in the moment, it can come at a heavy cost over time. When we're just existing rather than truly living, we miss out on the richness, meaning, and vibrancy that life has to offer. We may feel a persistent sense of emptiness, restlessness, or dissatisfaction, even if we can't always pinpoint the reason why.

Over the long run, a state of mere existence can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. We are more prone to depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Our relationships and connections will suffer as well since we're not fully present and engaged. And we may find that we're not growing, evolving, or reaching our full potential.

Existing rather than living means we are not experiencing the full depth of the human experience. We are limiting ourselves and missing out on so much of what makes life worth living.

The good news is, that it's never too late to start living again. Even if we have been in a state of existence for a long time, we can take steps to reignite our spark and passion for life. There are some things that we can do to get us started:

1. Reconnect with your values and passions. Reflect on what truly matters - what brings a sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. What interests, hobbies, or causes do you care deeply about? Make time to reconnect with those things on a regular basis.

2. Step out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to try new experiences, learn new skills, or take on new adventures. This doesn't have to be anything drastic - even small steps outside your normal routine can help you feel more alive.

3. Build deep connections. Nurture your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Make an effort to be fully present and engaged when spending time with them. Also, seek out new connections and communities that align with your interests and values.

4. Cultivate mindfulness and presence. Practice being fully present and attentive to the here and now, rather than constantly worrying about the past or future. Take time each day to slow down, check in with yourself, and savor your experiences.  

5. Identify and overcome obstacles. Reflect on what might be holding you back from living more fully - whether it's fear, self-doubt, unhealthy habits, or something else. Work on addressing those obstacles step-by-step.

6. Prioritize self-care. Make sure you're taking good care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Eat nourishing foods, move your body, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that help you recharge.

7. Seek inspiration and learning. Immerse yourself in books, podcasts, art, nature, or other sources of inspiration that make you feel alive and curious about the world. Continuously seek to grow, learn, and expand your horizons.

Remember, the journey of truly living again is deeply personal. What works for me or someone else may not resonate with you. The key is to tune in, experiment, and find the approaches that help you feel most vibrant, engaged, and present in your own life.

It's also important that we have patience and compassion for ourselves along the way. Reigniting that zest for life doesn't happen overnight. There may be ups and downs, good days and bad days. But with consistent effort and self-care, we can rediscover that feeling of being fully alive.

Success or sabotage? The choice between living and existing is ours to make. We can continue to passively go through the motions, resigning ourselves to a life of dullness and monotony. Or we can take courageous steps to reconnect with our passions, deepen our connections, and cultivate a vibrant, engaged, and meaningful existence.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Choose to live. Choose to feel that spark and zest for life again. It may take some work, but the rewards are immeasurable. Instead of settling for a mere existence, you deserve to feel fully alive.