April is here again and it’s time for this year’s A to Z Challenge. This year, my theme is motivational quotes. Each 
Monday to Saturday throughout April I will be posting a motivational quote each day starting with the letters A through to Z.
It’s traditional through the challenge to keep posts short and sweet, so that’s what I’ll be doing. Just a quick explanation of why I chose each quote and what it means to me.
Day 8 – H
“Have the courage to live, not just exist – at the very least have the courage to try”
There is a huge difference between living and just existing. To exist means basically that you have to be alive. Just being alive, going through the motions isn’t living.
Truly living is doing things every day that bring you joy. To experience what the world has to offer.
To give up on existing alone and start living can be scary. What if you fail and have to go back to merely existing? Having the courage to try is knowing that if the worst happens and you do fail, it’s not over. It’s just a set back and you must start over again.
Once you’ve tasted living, you won’t want to go back to just existing and that’s where you need courage – the courage to accept that the path might be difficult, but it’s one you can never turn around on and go back.
Do you think living and existing are two different things? What, for you, is the difference between the two? Let me know in the comments 🙂
Don’t forget to check back every Monday to Saturday to see the next motivational quote!
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living is living with zest and excitement, not existing…dull and boring!!!!!!!!! thank you for sharing….
This is encouraging. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you 🙂
Existing is maybe the routine whereas living might be stretching the boundaries and trying something different. Even if you are stuck in a kind of routine e.g. working 9 – 5 finding ways of doing things differently in those constraints.
Great way to think of it – there’s always something we can do brighten up even the worst days
Living and existing are poles apart. We all exist but to live life and live it abundantly is a whole new ballgame and one worth pursuing wholeheartedly!
Leanne
I agree – I think we often don’t see how much we’re missing out until we really do start living!
Many people exist throughout their lives. Living and experiencing life is much more fulfilling!
Emily
I completely agree
What a wonderful quote to ponder. It takes a lot of energy to live life with the verve it deserves. Naturally, as I get older I find that I “live” in short bursts and “exist” in the gaps. If I weren’t awake writing into the wee hours of the morning, I might have more energy to spare. However, as writing is my passion…I think it evens out in the end.
Thank you 🙂 I think we’re all guilty of spending some down time just existing. If writing is your passion, then I would say that you are truly living while you’re doing that
Living needs courage. Courage to be brave enough to accept everything and everyone as they are. I believe in living one day at at time cz worrying about what’s in store for tomorrow limits our today to just an existence. Thanks for sharing this Debbie.
I agree – courage is important if we really want to change our lives for the better
Nothing like beating a serious illness to make you realise this quote is true. Before cancer, i existed. Now i live.
That’s so true! Congratulations on beating cancer!
I agree with Bev. When you lose the things that you took for granted, you begin to appreciate life more and live more.
Couldn’t read your post completely because the floating widget hides your content on a desktop.
Happy AtoZing!
Chicky
Definitely! As I said before, I think it’s an issue with your settings as its fine on all the desk tops I’ve tried it on
Living is when you wake up in the morning feeling excited about your day ahead and the unknown possibilities that it holds!
Existing is when you wake up with a negative perspective about the challenges a new day brings…
Just my spontaneous thoughts…
I think that sums it up really well 🙂
Oh yes, sometimes I exist, but when I am most excited, I’m living and loving it.
Same here!
I really like this idea for the A to Z blogging challenge. Courage is so important for everything but especially seeking happiness. My challenge’s theme is mental health, you might like to take a look!
Thank you 🙂 I’ll be sure to stop by!
I really like this one. Makes me think of Yoda though. Do or do not, there is no try! 🙂
Thank you 🙂 I love that Yoda quote!
Wonderful, wonderful post!!! Thank you.
DB McNicol, author & traveler
Theme: Oh, the places we will go!
Thank you 🙂
How true!
I so need this quote. It is my maiden AtoZ challenge and also my maiden attempt at writing a blog. And the reason I got involved in the challenge was exactly this…. If I didn’t try how would I find out.
Ridhii
Ah good luck with both 🙂 And now you know you can!
Ah good luck with both! And now you know you can 🙂
I definitely agree that living and existing are not the same thing.
A good positive thought for the letter H
And thanks for visiting my humble blog as i muddle my way to Z.
Thank you 🙂
You know what? I keep telling myself this! 😉
Best wishes!
Wonderful post. Happy AtoZ!
Thank you 🙂
Definitely a difference between the two. If you’re just existing then you’re letting things happen, being swept along like a piece of driftwood. Living is about taking control.
I agree – there’s a difference between being passive and making things happen!
I am honestly downloading all the posters you have put in each post and I am going to use it as my desktop wall paper everyday! These are superbly motivating 🙂
That’s so good to hear – I’m really glad you’re enjoying them!
I currently need energy to live more than courage. I have my body to thank for that. ><
~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Energy is a good start!
#AtoZChallenge: Thoughts and Reflections - My Random Musings
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