On Living

Since arriving in Belgium, I have been doing a lot of writing and reflecting. Reflecting on life, love, humanity, and existence. When I decided to study abroad, it wasn’t only about the physical adventure. It was more about the emotional and internal growth that I could accomplish for myself. The question that I always got was, “what do you expect to get from this experience?” My answer, which was hard to articulate before I actually got here, is this: I expect to find, reinvent, and explore this world and myself. I expect to reconnect with the world that has privileged me in so many ways and learn to live within it, instead of against it.

This planet is precious and taken advantage of every single day and by every person whom inhabits it. I have come to understand that life is not about the material objects and the monetary possessions one may have, but rather, life is about living. To me, living means knowing and loving self above anything else and transmitting this into every act interaction. Living, is about learning how to accomplish this. I believe that compassion for everything comes along with this growth. So many of us live day to day thinking about what is next and always in constant planning of what we need and want. We never take the time to sit down and relax.

There is a stigma that everyone needs a “plan” to succeed. There is such a drive to follow the carbon copied plan of so many: College, Grad School, Career, Marriage, Kids, Retirement, and Death. What if I don’t what that plan? Is there anything wrong with that? I don’t think so. At the same time, there is nothing wrong with those who do decide to follow that path. If it was right for them, then great, but I know that it is not my life. I am perfectly content with living life the way that I want to and following my instincts into the future.

The best decision I ever made was dropping out of college after my first year. I knew I wasn’t ready to be in college, and since I was paying for it, I didn’t want to waste my own money. Taking that year off allowed me to look at myself through a different lens. I focused on working and making connections with great people while living in Boise. I am so grateful to this year because I have made friends that will be in my life forever, something that I would never take back. When I decided to go back to school in 2007, I knew I was ready. And since then, I have loved what that I am doing and the education I am pursuing.

I have been reflecting on my existence as a member of humanity. The statement, “life is short,” is far from accurate. Life is the longest thing that we’ll ever do and also the most important one. There are 6.7 billion people inhabiting the earth and very few are coming together and working for a brighter future and better tomorrow. Life is long, but it is temporary and it could end in an instant. I believe that the instant life ends, one should be working towards and/or within a life being loved and lived.

If I were to die tomorrow, I would be content because I know that I am doing the best I can do to truly live. I am living within the world and learning from what it has to offer. There is only so much education that can be obtained inside a classroom. Textbooks, pictures, and lectures on what exists can never compare to the real thing. I understand that I am only a small entity that lives within the framework of the world. It is a conscious being that is much larger then my knowledge and understanding.

We don’t need to put a definition to everything; we need to accept that our existence on the planet is on the terms of the energies and forces that are bigger than words and humanity. We are all visitors on this planet and someday we’ll move on. The earth exists for itself and will continue to go on once I leave it.

What matters in this life is the impact one makes to better and enrich the existence of all. Selfishness at the root of material and monetary gains will not bring progression, but rather, destruction. Learning what it means to be compassionate and finding self through the many obstacles of life can heal and spark growth. Finding this will be the hardest thing and biggest lesson for every member of humanity. But once found, the possibilities for global compassion, understanding, love, acceptance, and community are endless.

JP Popovich