They say water is a source of life. Without water plants, animals and humans are unable to survive. Communities grow around a water source. Animals track the source of this life-giving liquid. Plants thrive when there is moisure.
And yet water is not the only source of living.
As humans, we seek for much more than mere survival. Yes, we need water and the food that we can grow with it. But we need so much more to thrive. We need shelter: a place where our bodies can be safe. We need a home: a place where we can be quiet, a place where we can recuperate from the stresses of the day. And if we have love and acceptance in our home? An added bonus as loving care can help us develop into human beings that excel at living.
Love and acceptance cannot only help us thrive as human beings but can also lead us develop a positive sense of self-esteem. A positive sense of self can help us to make choices with confidence; it can help us be sure of our path; it can help us dare to live. It is in daring to live that we move outside the box and do things that cause us discomfort.
Going on an adventure, changing career mid-life, wearing something different, trying new foods. These actions are a reflection of who we are. We can be courageous, we can be sure of who we are, we can be comfortable in our skin. We can live and enjoy every moment.
Water may be a source of life – but it is not the source of living. Living comes from having a home, from being loved and from being accepted for who we are. Living comes from a strong sense of self and the confidence to take steps into the unknown. Living comes from so much more than drinking a glass of liquid. Yes, water may keep us alive but to live we need love and the confidence to dare experience life in its entirety.
What sources help you to live?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2015
(This flash fiction was inspired by Laura’s Literary Lions prompt: Water)
Good food for thought, life and living are definitely two very different things.
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They certainly are. Living your life to the full is a lot more than just existing from day to day.
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Well said. Belonging, Love, Home.
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Thank you. It is these things, I believe, that make living worthwhile.
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So well said! 🙂
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Thank you Amy 🙂
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The idea of a home is one that is really new to Australia, they have only existed here for just under 250 years, the traditional owners of this land never had homes. They were nomads and moved constantly, and like the animals here they followed the water courses and the food.
Water is a source here that we treasure, and try not to take advantage of, it can be hard to get, so we need to be careful with it. Great post Colline really does get you thinking.
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Thank you Leanne. I was in a philosophical mood the morning I wrote this 🙂
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Very beautifully stated.
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Thank you so much Michelle.
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Makes you think outside the box! Water isn’t enough.
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It certainly isn’t – it is only a part of what we need to experience life.
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Love your header photo!
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Thank you Ineke. I remembered your comment on missing the header and thought I would put this one up 🙂
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Makes me feel at home again! 🙂
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You have got that right 🙂
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This was so lovely to read with my early morning tea. I’m thankful to have you as a blogging mom friend. Although we have never met, I feel as if I know your heart so well. Your smile in the little bubbles above is joyful. I’m thankful we know the source of living! Our God is an awesome God who is a shelter and baptized us with Living Water! Jenn
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You have added an important factor to my list. Our beliefs are so important to us, aren’t they? They are what drives us to do what we do, and to be what we are. I know that my belief in God does affect my actions and the way in which I relate to others.
I like, too, that we have met. People who think as I do are a source of comfort and strength.
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I have a very helpful husband (but don’t tell him I said so, Colline 🙂 )
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That does make a difference Jo (an I promise I won’t tell him 🙂 )
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And wine!
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One definitely needs that for a little relaxation 🙂
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