I have been thinking about the idea of feeling alive. We hear people say it all the time. “I just want to feel alive again.” But here’s what I find interesting: How many of us go through days, months, or even years technically being alive, but not really living?

We get up, go to work, take care of responsibilities, check things off our lists, take care of everyone else, and repeat. Life is happening, but sometimes we’re just going through the motions.

I recently came across an idea that suggested if we simply start acting like we’re alive, eventually the feeling will follow. In other words, don’t wait until you feel excited, adventurous, inspired, or full of energy to start living that way. Start doing the things that make you feel alive, and let the feeling catch up.

I love this because I think we sometimes have it backwards. We wait for the right mood, the right circumstances, more time, more confidence, or something exciting to happen before we allow ourselves to really live.

What if we didn’t wait?

What if feeling alive starts with the little things? Taking a different route. Trying something new. Calling the friend you’ve been meaning to call. Saying yes to an invitation. Listening to music a little louder. Getting outside. Laughing more. Being curious. Doing something that scares you just a little.

And maybe it’s not always about doing more. Maybe it’s about being more present for what we’re already doing. Actually tasting the coffee, noticing the sunset, listening when someone is talking, or appreciating the moment instead of thinking about the next one.

I don’t think we should expect to feel alive every minute of every day. Life has seasons, and some are harder than others. But I do think we have more influence over how we experience our lives than we sometimes realize.

Maybe the secret isn’t waiting for life to make us feel alive. Maybe it’s choosing to participate in it.

So, here’s my thought for the week: Don’t wait until you feel alive to start living. Start living, and see what happens to the feeling.

After all, we’re only here once. We might as well show up for it!

XX,

MG