There’s a fine line between merely surviving and truly living.
Just getting by doesn’t mean you’re really experiencing all that life has to offer. It’s like being stuck in survival mode, just ticking off the days on your calendar.
On the flip side, living means embracing life with all its ups and downs, savoring each moment and pursuing your passions.
It’s not always easy to tell the difference. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 8 behaviors that might indicate you’re just surviving, not really living.
We’ll get into those shortly, but first, let’s unpack what it really means to live, rather than just survive.
1) You’re stuck in a routine
There’s a difference between having a routine and being stuck in one.
We all have a daily routine. It helps us stay organized and maintain a rhythm. But when your routine starts to feel like a prison, that’s when you know something’s off.
It’s like you’re on autopilot, just going through the motions without really experiencing anything. Each day is just a carbon copy of the one before it.
Living, on the other hand, means breaking free from that loop every once in a while. It means trying new things, seeking out new experiences, and making spontaneous decisions.
If every day feels exactly the same, it might be time to shake things up a bit. It might be time to start living instead of just surviving.
2) You’re not pursuing your passions
I know this one all too well.
A few years ago, I was stuck in a job that I didn’t particularly enjoy. It paid the bills and was stable, but I wasn’t passionate about it. In fact, I dreaded going to work every morning.
I realized I was merely surviving, not living. I was ignoring my passion for writing just to keep a job that gave me no satisfaction.
That’s when I decided to take the leap and pursue my passion as a full-time writer. It was scary and uncertain, but it made me feel alive. It made me realize that life is too short to spend it doing something you don’t love.
If you find yourself ignoring your passions just to maintain the status quo, that’s a clear sign you’re surviving, not living. It might be time to reevaluate and start pursuing what makes you truly happy.
3) You’re neglecting your health
When you’re just surviving, taking care of your health often falls by the wayside. You might skip meals, forgo exercise, or skimp on sleep just to keep up with your daily tasks.
Interestingly, the World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. It’s a holistic concept that encompasses all aspects of our lives.
Living involves prioritizing your health, both physical and mental. It’s about eating healthy, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax and unwind.
If you’re neglecting any aspect of your health, it’s a clear sign that you’re just surviving. To truly live, you need to take better care of yourself.
4) You’re always planning for the future
It’s great to have goals and plans for the future. They give us something to strive toward and keep us motivated. But when you’re constantly planning for the future, you might forget to live in the present.
When all your energy is focused on what’s next, you miss out on what’s happening right now. You’re so busy surviving – making ends meet, preparing for what’s to come – that you forget to savor the moments as they come.
Living is about balance. It’s about planning for the future while also enjoying the present. If you find yourself constantly thinking about tomorrow, it might be time to pause and appreciate today.
5) You’re neglecting your relationships
Life is a journey, and it’s the people we share it with that make it truly meaningful.
When we’re just surviving, we often lose sight of the importance of maintaining our relationships. We become so focused on our own struggles and worries that we forget to reach out to others. We overlook the joy and comfort that come from sharing our lives with those we love.
If you find yourself isolating from your loved ones or failing to nurture your relationships, that’s a strong sign you’re just surviving.
Living means investing time and energy into your relationships. It means cherishing those around you, expressing love, showing gratitude and being there for each other. After all, at the end of the day, it’s the bonds we form that make life worth living.
6) You’re ignoring your feelings
I remember a time when I would brush my feelings under the carpet. I thought that by ignoring them, I could keep moving forward. But all it did was leave me feeling numb and disconnected.
When we’re just surviving, it’s easy to suppress our emotions to avoid dealing with them. But ignoring our feelings doesn’t make them disappear.
In fact, feelings are an essential part of our human experience. They provide valuable insights into our inner world and guide us towards understanding ourselves better.
Living involves acknowledging your feelings, even the uncomfortable ones. It’s about learning to sit with them, understand them, and ultimately, grow from them. If you’re constantly pushing your emotions aside, it might be a sign that you’re just surviving, not truly living.
7) You’re not making time for self-discovery
Self-discovery is a continuous journey, but it’s easy to forget about it when you’re just trying to get by.
When we’re surviving, we tend to focus on the external – our jobs, responsibilities, what others think of us. But we often neglect the internal – understanding who we are, what makes us tick, and what we truly want in life.
Living involves taking the time for self-discovery. It’s about asking deep questions, challenging our beliefs, and exploring different aspects of ourselves. It’s about learning and growing.
If you’re not making time for self-discovery, it might be a sign that you’re just surviving. To truly live, you need to understand yourself better.
8) You’re not stepping out of your comfort zone
Living requires a certain level of discomfort. It’s about taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them. It’s about pushing boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone.
When we’re just surviving, we often stick to what’s safe. We avoid taking risks or trying new things for fear of failure.
But here’s the thing: growth happens outside our comfort zone. It’s only when we dare to step into the unknown that we truly start to live.
If you’re always playing it safe, you’re surviving, not living. Don’t be afraid to take that leap. It might just be the best thing you ever do.
Embracing the art of living
At the end of the day, life is not about merely surviving, it’s about living. It’s about embracing every moment, expressing gratitude, nurturing relationships, and chasing dreams.
The renowned psychologist, Abraham Maslow, once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
Living is about growth. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and daring to explore the unknown. It’s about acknowledging your feelings, making time for self-discovery, and pursuing your passions.
Surviving might be our instinct, but living is our birthright. It’s not always easy. It demands courage, resilience, and a lot of self-love. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s worth every bit of effort.
So, if you find yourself displaying any of these 8 behaviors – remember – you always have the choice to shift from merely surviving to truly living. The decision is always in your hands. And with each conscious choice you make towards living, remember that you’re not alone on this journey.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to figure out this beautiful, messy, unpredictable thing called life. And that’s what makes it all worth living.
