Keys to Life

Of course, the obvious answer to that question is yes. Of course I'm living. But are you? Are you living, or just surviving? Do you have passion for life, or do you constantly grumble about how nothing changes? The fact is, most of us are just getting by. We're not taking advantage or appreciating what we have, and forget that our time is very limited. When things go wrong, remind yourself to live life. Surviving is no way to spend your precious time.

Where do you stand on your dreams? Are you doing anything to accomplish them? While no one reaches their goals in one day, anyone who achieves their goals has the courage to start. Making that first step beings your journey - regardless of how long it ends up being. Without a dream and a drive to pursue it, life is just drudgery. People's dreams vary - from being a great mom to starting a company. Whatever it is, make up your mind to do it, and live to accomplish it.

Where are your personal relationships? Do you have people close to you that you trust, love and enjoy? Do you have a support system? Close doesn't indicate distance - with the development of social networking and group forums and support on the internet, your best friends may very well be across the globe. You may have never met them. But they are a support system in your life, nonetheless.

How do you handle rejection? Rejection indicates that it's not the right thing right now. Do you use rejection to grow, or do you wrap yourself in the negatives and wait for something else to show up? Opportunities don't find you, you find them. Shake off the rejection, learn whatever lesson is there, and move on. Don't let negatives consume you - there's no point wallowing in something that isn't.

Do you have passion? Perhaps the most important part of living, passion is an incredible drive. A passion for learning, for teaching, for others. Whatever passion you have, follow it. You can never go wrong following what you love in life.

Do you truly appreciate life? Look around - I promise you can find at least one thing to be happy about. Even if everything is going wrong, there is something. Build from it. Even if it's a lesson learned about trusting a certain person, about depending on something, about what you're doing. Learning is essential to grow. Keep a 'gratitude journal'. Every night, write down a single (or multiple if you like) thing that you're thankful for. Write in it throughout the day if you'd like - but always write one entry at night. It will improve your outlook.

We're only on this earth for a short period of time - we should all remember to live life, and not just observe it. Take chances and see where they take us. Remember: you are in control of your life. You decide what path to take, whether to blaze your own trail, or to give up altogether.