I Exist But I don’t Live
Written by: Dinelsa Morales, Ph.D, TFC, MSW intern
For: Hispanic Family Counseling Inc. Newsletter February 2023 Edition
A few days ago, while in line at the post office, a person behind me -who was talking on the phone out loud- exclaimed this phrase "I exist but I don't live". He was referring to the little ability or time he had to enjoy his life. His face of anger, discomfort, sadness was so noticeable that he exuded anguish. This made me reflect on myself on the way home and I began to wonder, do I live or do I exist? Wow!! What a strong question, I had never thought about this and that is why today I want to share it with you.
This society pushes us to live in an accelerated way, where time is no longer enough to be able to fulfill the responsibilities that we decide to carry on. I mention the word “we decide” because that is how it is “we decide our work, we decide our debts, in short… we decide everything we have in life”. Therefore, sometimes the responsibilities become greater than the capacity that a person has to live. Therefore, there are many human beings who get up, walk, fulfill their commitments and sleep, but do not live. So, it is important to understand: What does it means to be alive? In this aspect that we reflect on, the concept of being alive or living refers to enjoying the moments or experiences that come together to exist on this earth. It implies harmony and harmony is lost when we put aside our ability to perceive the simple moments for so many commitments, responsibilities and failed experiences. This is why many people experience existing, getting up, breathing, walking, but they do not live, do not enjoy, do not perceive harmony inside and outside. Hence, the importance of self-care at each stage of the life cycle.
Let's not lose perspective that life is short and it can happen to us in the blink of an eye.
Life is in taking the little ones to school with a smile,
Life is to delight you with a delicious dessert without rushing,
Life is in having a coffee with a friend or partner,
Life is sitting on the balcony of your house to enjoy the sunset…..and much more…
We have prostituted the concept of enjoying our life a lot, because the commercialization of this society poses it as expensive restaurants, parks, things... and no... life is in the conglomerate of little things that allow you to breathe, smile, taste, touch, feel…
For this reason, decide today to start living, and leave each day its own eagerness.
Today you live because you exist!