Are You Living or Just Alive? Embracing the Gift of Each New Day

Life is often discussed in terms of existence, merely breathing and going through the motions. However, there is a profound distinction between being alive and truly living. We wake each morning with a precious gift: the opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a blessing that often goes unnoticed as we get caught up in the routine of our daily lives. Each day offers us a clean slate, a chance to embrace the here and now, but far too many of us wake up with dread rather than anticipation.

When our eyes open to the day ahead, we breathe in the air that fills our lungs, and we have a choice to make. We can choose to see each morning as a fresh start, a chance to leave behind yesterday's troubles and embrace a new beginning. God has intended for us to awaken with gratitude, to view our circumstances, no matter how chaotic, as blessings. The distractions of life, such as the spilled milk or the messy living room, are simply reminders of the beautiful lives we lead and the families we cherish.

Yet, many of us find ourselves relying on a checklist of responsibilities, merely existing rather than experiencing life. The grind of work, the challenges of relationships, or the pressures of daily tasks can numb our senses and cloud our perspective. We go through our routines, feeling alive, but forgetting to truly live.

To live is to thrive, it’s to engage wholeheartedly in our passions, to savor life’s experiences, and to spread positivity. It's about enjoying the work we do and cherishing our families. It involves embracing even the chaotic moments with thankfulness, knowing they are a part of the fabric of our lives. Consider the mornings when your children are causing chaos; rather than viewing this as an inconvenience, see it as a moment of togetherness that brings joy and connection.

On the other hand, existing can often mean simply going through the motions. It’s living in a state of discontent, feeling overwhelmed, and becoming complacent. Many of us find ourselves in this cycle, where we wake up, go through our routines, and collapse into bed at night without ever fully experiencing the beauty of life.

The message I want to convey is simple: recognize the difference between being alive and truly living. My challenge to you is to awaken each morning with a mindset shift. Instead of focusing on the negatives, choose gratitude. Celebrate the challenges as opportunities for growth, and push yourself to reach higher than you believed possible. 

Engage in meaningful conversations, try something new, and embrace the connections around you. Each sunrise is a reminder that time is ticking, and now is the moment to seize every opportunity. Don’t wait for the right time—create it! Life is a fleeting gift, and we cannot predict when our final day will come, so why wait to make the most of it?

As we stand on the edge of a new day, remember that life is short, but the potential for joy and fulfillment is infinite. Let’s choose to start over each day. Rejoice in the unique gift of life that you are. Determine your definition of living and strive to embody it every day.

In the end, it’s not just about being alive; it’s about embracing the art of living. So, rise with purpose and joy, and remember: today is a new beginning.

Today, I am choosing to count my blessings twice. -Nina