When was the last time that you have been grateful for being alive?  Life is a gift. Every heartbeat is a miracle and worth celebrating. The moment we wake up is a privilege given the chance to exist and to experience life in its fullness. It might not be all fun and exciting, but there is always a reason to live. I remember the ‘little me’ dreaming and visualizing the ideal life of a grown-up. Getting a dream job, spending my own money, making decisions, and enjoying freedom and independence. I always wanted to grow old, because I thought that it was only then that I could enjoy my life to the fullest. I studied hard and aimed to excel in order to achieve the vision I had in mind. Envisioning what I want my life to be has become my motivation. Chasing dreams was like a race that sometimes became the birthplace of anxiety. But what am I really here for? I began to wonder what life is all about as I grew older. I can keep on pursuing and pushing myself to the limits and yet still feel empty. One day, a Facebook post awakened me to life’s reality. It was the sudden death of a college friend. The idea that death could come at any hour of our waking life made me recall and assess how I’ve lived. Have I loved enough? Or am I too busy building my own empire, forgetting what is essential? What’s the future for, if death comes at any moment now? Would I be ready? The purpose of this article is not to scare anyone. It’s a reminder that life is short and unpredictable, making every moment so precious. A sight of a loved one is an opportunity to love, to gaze at them with love. The ability to talk is a chance to make things right and to express affection. The capacity to feel is a gift that allows us to empathize and to show compassion in this broken world. Every beat of your heart is a miracle and a reminder that you are one unique soul with a purpose and a wonderful human being alive. There is no one like you. You’ve got something that only you have, a mission to fulfil. Life isn’t about earthly riches or social status. It is about moments, relationships, bonds, lessons, and experiences, both good and bad. It can be tough in many circumstances, but it is all part of the package making it all worthwhile. Sometimes, things just don’t make sense yet; all the detours, the redirections, the sadness, and the heartbreak. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Nothing that has been is wasted. Cliché it may be, but life is a journey meant to seize and enjoy. Look around and see—the things in motion, the wind that touches your skin, and the sound of a bustling city. These are just some of the manifestations that one can enjoy life in the moment. We don’t have to wait for 5 years or more to be happy. We can be happy now, if we choose to. Creating happy moments is what we are capable of, and we are responsible for our own happiness. Life goals push us to strive, but happiness shouldn’t depend on it. It must not compromise on what’s more important. If happiness is perceived as passive, one would become a miserable soul. We don’t have control over everything, but we can do something about how to respond to everything. So, what am I really here for? I thought about it for quite some time. But I am always directed to this conclusion, which is to love. This thing called “love” is what brought me into existence, and it is what keeps everything in motion. My vision of what’s ahead is finite and my wisdom of what has been is limited. But what I have is the present moment to seize, to discover, to enjoy, to experience, and above all, to love. It is when we put love in the equation that life has its meaning. Without love, there is no life at all. As long as we are alive, there is hope; a chance to unload the baggage that we have been carrying from the past, to heal by freeing oneself from grudges through forgiveness, and to let go of things that are no longer serving us. Embracing what has been and every inch of yourself is a liberating thing to do. Dealing with life would be easier if we made ourselves our own best friends.   The existence of a soul is a mystery, indeed. Being born in a particular timeline in this vast universe is for us to discover. In this 3D-planet where everything is fleeting, what we have is time to live life and make the most of it. And the best response to the Supreme Being who brought everything into existence, is our gratitude. The fact that we are still breathing is a blessing, for which we should be grateful. Live in the moment. Smile and laugh more often. Do not delay. Love well and live life to the fullest. James 4:14 says “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Please follow and like us: