I Feel Most Alive When

July 18, 2014

How would you complete this sentence?

I feel most alive when…

If you had asked me that question a week ago, I’d have said when I’m writing. And maybe that still rings partially true. But a couple of days ago, I was walking to the store on my lunch break, and I realized I feel most alive when I’m struggling.

Struggle has a negative connotation. It sounds as though you’re in pain, or you’re going through hardship, or you need help. I don’t necessarily need help. My struggles are the sort of normal struggles every human goes through, in terms of juggling hopes, dreams, money, career, and happiness.

But upon walking to the store that day, thinking of a dozen things that made me feel like I was struggling, I realized that I felt so alive in that moment. Almost like being tied to a rock and dropped in the sea, and just barely being able to keep your head above water. You fully realize how alive you are when you’re close to going under.

I guess it’s just my natural positivity sway. When things get tough, I see the good in it. Because what other choice is there? Struggle makes me feel full of life, like I am really living. Like I’m trying, like I’m putting in effort, like I’m feeling exhausted but happy for the experience. In a strange way, it makes me feel good about myself, and when I stepped into the sun that day on my way to the store, the warm light only confirmed my belief about struggle. In fact sometimes I think the light is responsible for all of this beautiful madness.

What makes you feel most alive?

Here are some shareables for you to swim through when your day is in need of something more.

How to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking With Josh Pais

http://www.marieforleo.com/2013/03/overcome-fear-shyness-josh-pais/

The Painful Beauty of Impermanence

http://zenhabits.net/blossom/

How to Double Your Results and Actually Work Less

http://www.marieforleo.com/2010/07/double-results-work/

Images of Writers at Work

http://writersatwork.pfauth.com/?utm_content=bufferc0fc4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

The 33 Most Monday Things That Have Ever Happened

http://www.buzzfeed.com/simoncrerar/most-monday-things-ever