What Keeps You Alive?

“What are you doing now?”

The question I dread the most every time I meet someone somewhere.

Because frankly, I haven’t the faintest idea what to tell them!

The times I do, I either get a blank or confused look or they just move on to the next subject.

I suppose they do not truly want to know but ask out of habit, curiosity, or for some other reason. Whatever it may be, it leaves me feeling misunderstood.

What I do know and try to explain whenever I can is this:

I am living my dreams!

No, I'm not a multimillionaire - yet, although my bank account could do with some help 😃. Nor do I own any fancy cars, or go on jet-setting trips overseas. Not really my cup of tea.

However, that doesn't diminish the significance of what I am doing.

I am doing now what I’ve always wanted to do: which is to write and publish.

I write on Twitter, FB, Instagram, blogs, notepads, everywhere, and anywhere.

I express my thoughts and ideas. Writing is my avenue for self-expression, and it brings me joy and fulfillment. But, just because I write doesn't mean everyone has to, and just because others don't write doesn't mean I don’t have to. 😆 

There was this classmate in Form 2 (the equivalent of Grade 8/9) who was already reading Bertrand Russell. I had not heard of Russell at the time. Nor did I understand what his words meant but I remembered the reference to him.

Here is one that I like though:

In essence, it’s being “childlike”.

We know children have this natural curiosity that sparks their interest in everything around them.

The world is like a treasure trove of surprises for them. They are always exploring, seeking, and bumping into things.

This seeking for knowledge isn't just about school subjects; it's about becoming familiar with the things that capture their attention.

My Bertrand Russell fan club friend had also quoted from the Bible:

And I like the questioning mind of Ecclesiastes:

These lines compel me to ponder the essence of my existence:

• Am I merely a follower in society's system, going through the motions without purpose?

• Or am I actively pursuing my passions, regardless of societal expectations?

Society has a tendency to place expectations on us, at times shoving us down a predetermined path without really considering individual passions and aspirations.

Many find themselves trapped in a system that leaves them feeling uninspired and unfulfilled. However, deep within each one lies the potential for growth and transformation.

To break free from such thinking, we need the courage to move from

• Expectations to Exploring

• Limitations to Possibilities

• Consuming to Creating

3 Inspiring Stories😀 

#1 Is a testimony from someone in the UK:

“When I was 16, I entered a pageant for the Chester County Dairy Princess. I worked really hard on my speeches, prepped for the interview, and created a presentation.

And you know what? I won! That year spent as the Chester County Dairy Princess was transformative in my life and for my resume.”

Students can learn so much about themselves and from others just by going through such processes.

#2 Is from a personal experience in 1997:

Youth programs in the Philippines routinely include a two-week exposure program for college grads up in the mountains. By taking them away from their usual hangouts, the facilitators expose them to nature, the environment, social realities, current issues, and the like.

The rationale being that these same graduates would form the bulk of management in both the public and private sectors. They would be influential people. They would be the ones making the decisions on policies that affect work, nature, development, economy, education, and etc.

With a little foresight and planning, it is possible to change the future for the better.

#3 Is happening even as you read this:

Overworked middle-aged individuals, tired of responsibilities that consume their time and energy are quitting their jobs, to pursue their own passions.

So many of my friends have jumped aboard the gig economy.

From providing e-hailing services to running ghost kitchens, becoming online entrepreneurs, baking, and teaching online and offline, they are changing the face of the marketplace. They seem to be happier and more fulfilled.

Famous Last Words🫡 

For me, writing is not just a hobby or a means to an end. It is a testament to my existence.

I write, therefore I am alive.

And perhaps, the question we should all be asking ourselves is,

"What keeps you alive?"

Within that question lies the answer—the key to unlocking our purpose and finding inspiration.

• Seek the things that truly ignite your passion and bring you alive.

• Ask yourself the tough questions and explore the depths of your being.

• And when you encounter closed doors, knock persistently until the doors of opportunity swing open.

Till next time,

Jude

p.s. From 1994, but timeless: