This seems like such a simple fact. And yet in my experience, so many survive, but do not live. A little boy shaves away his childhood years studying, instead of forming connections, bonds, and friendships with the people around them. An adolescent works, ignoring his social life and personal one in an attempt to climb the corporate ladder. A middle-aged man realizes he wasted his best years away in an attempt to save money, and becomes a husk... full of sadness... full of regret. All of these people did exist, but can you say they really lived?
One cannot always be in the mindset of suffering now in order to hopefully enjoy their life later. These people never really get to enjoy themselves at all. In adolescence, they study away, trying to be as successful as they can in later life so they have money to enjoy themselves. In their middle years, they neglect to spend money on enjoyment because they want to save for retirement. In their twilight years, they refuse to spend their current money in the hopes of building generational wealth. Do these people live? They are all alive, but they do not live.
What does it mean to live then? What is the purpose of life? This is a question that has been debated throughout history by philosophers, political leaders, priests, and various other brilliant minds. But to me, at least, the answer seems simple. Life is meant to live- to enjoy oneself. One should always set aside just a little time, money, or simply care for themselves, their passions, or their precious people, even in the darkest of hours. If one does not like going through the vicissitudes of their life, then why remain alive?
Personally, I have had many regrets throughout my years. In my younger years, I often neglected my friends, focusing instead on my studies. By the time I turned around, many of them were already gone, I would never see or talk to them again. There were so many amazing people, all around me, and I am deeply remorseful that I did not even attempt to get to know them better. Do not walk this path. Living for the "long term" is not worth it if you do not find friends and passions that make living long worth it. Live life now and enjoy yourself, only then will you be able to continue living life in the future.
To those who do not heed these words, you will find no reproach from me, only pity and empathy.