Don't Just Exist. Live.

 “The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” - Jack London

This week a friend reminded me of this powerful quote from London.

The punchline? Existing is easy. Living is hard.

We are currently on day 148 out of 365 in 2025.

Looking back, how many of those days were you existing vs. truly living?

It is an impossible question but one worth asking.

We want to be living life but if you are anything like me… it often feels like I am just existing through life.

I think that is why the NPC trend on social media is so funny- because it is true.

People are just existing through their lives.

It makes sense. Existing is easier.

You go through the motions at work, take care of the kids at home, make dinner and entertain yourself at night, until you have to do it all again tomorrow.

In existing there is no upward aim. You are on a path and have set the cruise control.

It is easy, it is comfortable, it is safe.

But it is also boring.

Life is hard. Living life is even harder.

Living life requires courage. You have to have courage to make your dreams a reality.

You have to be okay with failure and be content in the fact that trying and failing is better than not trying at all.

Living is about making the most out of what you have been given.

It is about making a random Tuesday night memorable for your family.

It is about laughing, being around good people, enjoying the time you are spending with each other.

It is about taking on new challenges and learning new skill sets. It is about failing over and over and over again until you learn and succeed.

I have yet to figure out how to truly live. I have caught glimpses and seasons of it but all I know is that you are the only one who can make it happen.

The answer is different for everyone. It takes intentionality and courage to try.

This life is meant to be lived. Let’s live it.

Go out and make a difference.