How To Start Living Again

What would it feel like to wake up each day with a sense of excitement, energy, and purpose??

How often do you find yourself simply going through the motions, getting caught up in the demands of life, rather than truly living??

For many of us, the busyness of life can leave us feeling drained, as though we’re just existing on autopilot. But what if you could change that?

The good news is, you can.

There are ways to invite aliveness back into your life, to feel more connected, energised, and fulfilled. And it doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Often, it’s the small, intentional changes that make the biggest difference. So, what do we need to feel truly alive? Let’s explore some key ingredients.

1. Connection

When was the last time you felt deeply connected to someone? Connection is one of the most important aspects of feeling alive. Whether it’s with loved ones, colleagues, or even strangers, sharing experiences and collaborating with others makes us feel seen and valued. It helps us feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

But connection goes beyond our relationships with others; it’s also about connecting with ourselves. How often do we take the time to sit quietly, reflect, and really check in with how we’re feeling? How often do we pause and ask, "What do I need right now?" Building a relationship with yourself is just as essential as building relationships with others. In both cases, connection provides the energy and sense of belonging that makes life feel rich and meaningful.

2. Novelty?

Do you remember what it felt like to be a child, full of curiosity, wonder, and a zest for trying new things? As we grow older, we often lose touch with that part of ourselves. We get caught up in societal expectations, cultural norms, and the endless "shoulds" that guide our choices. But that sense of novelty is vital to feeling alive.

What did you love doing as a child? Were you constantly creating, building, or playing? Those early passions can leave behind breadcrumbs that point you to what lights you up even now. You’re never starting from zero because those passions are always a part of you. It’s time to unearth those buried treasures and bring a little more play, creativity, and experimentation back into your life. Whether it’s taking a dance class, learning a new instrument, or simply trying a new hobby, novelty sparks a sense of aliveness by reminding us that life is full of possibilities.

3. Challenge

When was the last time you pursued a challenge and felt proud of what you achieved? Aliveness often comes from striving toward mastery—getting better at something, no matter how big or small. We all need to feel like we’re growing and improving in some area of our lives. Without challenge, life can feel stagnant.

But here’s the secret: it’s not just about the end goal. It’s about progress. That 1% better each day, the steps you take along the journey that give you a sense of purpose and forward momentum. Sometimes long-term visions can feel overwhelming or too far out of reach. So, instead of focusing solely on the end result, create smaller, more achievable horizon markers. Celebrate your progress along the way, and you’ll feel a growing sense of achievement that fuels your aliveness.

4. Creativity

What makes your soul sing? Creativity is one of the most potent ways to invite more aliveness into your life. When we’re engaged in something we’re passionate about, something that allows us to be creative, our energy shifts. We feel vibrant, inspired, and fully engaged in the present moment.

Whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or any other activity that expands the way you think and create, following what you love and letting yourself be immersed in the flow of creativity can breathe new life into your day-to-day experience. It’s a reminder that life isn’t just about checking off to-do lists. It’s also about creating beauty, meaning, and joy.

5. Embracing the Journey

What if feeling alive wasn’t just about reaching big milestones but enjoying the journey along the way? True aliveness comes from having both a long-term vision and short-term goals. It’s about appreciating the steps you take, no matter how small, and knowing that progress itself is a source of fulfilment.

Instead of waiting for the distant future to feel successful or fulfilled, embrace the progress you make each day. Celebrate the tiny victories. Those incremental steps, no matter how small, build up over time and lead to the sense of growth and achievement that keeps us feeling alive.

Feeling truly alive isn’t about making drastic changes; it’s about reconnecting with what brings you energy, joy, and a sense of purpose.?

Now I invite you to ask yourself, how can you bring more connection, novelty, challenge, and creativity into your life today?