The Difference between Surviving and Living

The terms "surviving" and "living" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Surviving means staying alive, while living means enjoying a fulfilling life. In this article, we will explore the difference between these two terms and what it means to truly live.

What does it mean to survive? Surviving is the act of staying alive, even in difficult circumstances. For example, if someone is lost in the wilderness, their main goal is to survive by finding food, shelter, and water. Similarly, if someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, their goal is to survive by receiving medical treatment. Surviving requires a certain level of resilience, determination, and perseverance. People who have survived traumatic experiences such as natural disasters, wars, or accidents have demonstrated these qualities. However, surviving is not enough to lead a fulfilling life.

What does it mean to live? Living means experiencing life to the fullest, enjoying every moment, and pursuing one's passions and goals. Living involves taking risks, exploring new experiences, and making meaningful connections with others. Living is about more than just surviving. It's about finding purpose and meaning in life. People who are truly living are not just going through the motions of daily life, but actively engaging with the world around them.

Now that we're done defining both, let's talk about the actual topic at hand. The main difference between surviving and living is that surviving is focused on basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety, while living is focused on growth, exploration, and fulfillment. Surviving is about meeting the minimum requirements to stay alive, while living is about thriving and making the most out of life.

Surviving is a necessary step towards living, but it is not the end goal. People who are only focused on survival are missing out on the richness and beauty of life. Living requires taking risks and stepping outside of one's comfort zone, while surviving is about staying safe and avoiding danger.

Surviving is reactive, while living is proactive. Surviving is about responding to external circumstances, while living is about creating the life one wants. Surviving is about avoiding harm, while living is about pursuing happiness and fulfillment.

To better understand the difference between surviving and living, let's look at some examples.

Example 1: A person who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness:

If someone has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, their main goal is to survive by receiving medical treatment and managing their symptoms. However, if they want to truly live, they will need to find ways to make the most out of their life despite their illness. This could involve pursuing a career they are passionate about, building meaningful relationships with others, or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.

Example 2: A person who has lost their job

If someone has lost their job, their main goal is to survive by finding a new source of income. However, if they want to truly live, they will need to find ways to make the most out of their time. This could involve exploring new career opportunities, pursuing a new hobby, or volunteering in their community.

Example 3: A person who has survived a natural disaster

If someone has survived a natural disaster, their main goal is to survive by finding food, shelter, and safety. However, if they want to truly live, they will need to find ways to rebuild their life and create a new sense of normalcy. This could involve connecting with their community, starting a new business, or pursuing a new career path.

Let me ask you now; if someone is so focused on surviving, how can they transition to the joy that is, living?

To sum up everything that has been stated so far, surviving and living are two different concepts. Surviving is about staying alive, while living is about experiencing life to the fullest. Surviving is necessary, but it is not enough to lead a fulfilling life. To truly live, one must identify what brings them joy and fulfillment, set goals, take risks, build meaningful connections, and practice gratitude. By doing so, they can transform from surviving to living and make the most out of their life.