The question got you, didn’t it? It made you scratch your head and ponder whether you are or are not. Either way will make you dig deeper into your soul, peel off its layers of pretenses to arrive at the naked truth. And nobody wants to appear naked – even to oneself.
But there’s an easy way to answer it. The key is to define life and living in terms that can be related to your day-to-day affairs.
What is Life
Defining life in specific terms is impossible. Scientists and philosophers have given it a shot, but no one has come up with an across-the-board definition. Great minds like Aristotle to Carl Sagan tried too, but they were not able to please everybody.
Not that there isn’t any. In fact there are more than a hundred. The problem is that biologists define it differently than physicists, and doctors from evolutionists. And if we sit down together, we could not come up with a definition to suit us both.
I was on the brink go giving up when I came across this definition from Webster’s which, I believe, best suit the goal of this article. It defines life as “the physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual.”
What is Living
Defining living is no less easy. It’s not for differences of opinion but it seems nobody even tried – except Kumar Abhijeet. He defines living as:
…the exciting phase of life where we actually overcome our fears and try to do things that other people think we can’t do…Living is the combination of all emotions whether good or bad. It’s your perception…Just do it and you will understand the meaning of life.
To add to it, is this line from somewhere: Living is the style or way you live your life.
How to Live a Full Life
There are so many ways to life life to the Fullest. But age somehow limits your options to a few. Here are some that can help you achieve fulfillment in your life:
1. Be physically active
The biggest hindrance to a senior’s well-being is lack of physical activity. And this can be supported by a ton of studies.
So if you want to live life to the fullest, put on your dancing shoes and wiggle and jiggle your depression away. LOL!
It need not be vigorous routines. Simple things like brisk walking, yoga, or tai-chi will do. Surf for exercise plans to fit your schedule, your physical condition or your finances.
2. Find a purpose
A purpose is a reason for being. It gives life meaning. And regardless of how old you are, you must have a purpose if you want to live a fuller life.
Having a purpose is motivating. It makes you wake up in the morning with a smile and grateful when you go to bed at night.
A “purpose” can carry you through the most demanding and draining experiences in life. It makes the load you bear lighter, and darkness less gloomier
3. Join a same-minded community
While this may seem like a shot in the dark, if you are picky enough you will find other people sharing the same interests as you. It need not be a huge community. A handful of supportive people is a lot better than platoon who will just put you down or take advantage of you.
There must be one or two in your neighborhood, a chance encounter in a coffee shop or on your social media site.
And they not be of the same age as you. I regularly have a couple of beers with a former work associate who is almost 20 years my junior. We always have a grand time when we meet up for a drink and chit-chat.
4. Stick to your budget
There are about 3.4 million Americans 65 and who live below the poverty line and many more who can barely make both ends meet. Either they did not set money aside for retirement or they can’t keep to a budget.
To be old and poor is worse than death. At least that’s what a survey done by Bay Alarm Medical show. The study found out that eight in 10 Americans worry about running out of money when they get old.
So if you want to live a full live, always make a budget and stick to it like glue.
5. Embrace change
You could never have a fulfilled life if you live in a box. You can only do that by allowing your mind to roam, explore, discover, learn new things and embrace change.
So don’t remain static. Give live to your years, not years to your life. Learn something new, something different. Develop a hobby, or travel. Fall in love again, if you feel the itch.
Never be afraid to be a better version of yourself.
A study was done among end-of-life seniors to determine their biggest regret in life. Majority said, “Never doing the things I should have done.” Don’t be one of them.
6. Exercise gratefulness
While you can, and with empathy, say “Thank you,” for everything or everyone who needs to be thanked.
That’s how simple an expression of gratitude is. Yet, it can bring you huge dividends.
Gratefulness is good for the heart. No matter how bad things may be, a sense of gratitude can help you get over the hump. It allows you to clear your priorities and give you a good review of how you are Living your life.
At 70, I live a full life. Not overflowing or even to the brim., but full enough. I got no hang-ups or remorse of the things that didn’t go well. But I am very grateful for those that did. For example, I am physically active, good friends who can be counted by the fingers and supportive children.
I can still go on long drives. Often, my children take me along with them in their journeys.
Being a widower for 10 years, I live alone and enjoying unfettered freedom – including going around my home naked. How much fuller can it be?
Please share.
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