"El día que dejes de querer cosas es el día que dejas de vivir"

When you think about it, the essence of life boils down to desire. Wanting things—whether it's new experiences, relationships, personal growth, or even simple pleasures like a good meal—fuels our existence. Without these wants, life would be incredibly dull. Imagine waking up every morning with absolutely nothing to look forward to. No goals, no dreams, nothing to chase after. That’s not living; that’s merely existing.

Consider the historical context of this idea. Through centuries, philosophers and writers have touched upon the importance of desire and ambition. Think about ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, who argued that desire is a driving force for human action. Or look at modern psychology, which consistently underscores how setting goals and wanting things can lead to a more fulfilling life. It’s clear that this notion isn’t just a passing thought—it’s deeply embedded in our understanding of what it means to be human.

Let's bring this concept to life with a real-world example. Take someone who’s just retired. They’ve worked their entire life and suddenly, the structure and goals that once defined their days are gone. Many retirees struggle with this shift. But those who thrive after retirement often do so because they find new things to want. They take up hobbies, volunteer, travel, or even start new careers. They understand, maybe even subconsciously, that having something to strive for keeps life vibrant and meaningful.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying what you want. It doesn’t have to be grand or life-changing. Maybe you want to learn a new skill, like playing the guitar or cooking Thai food. Perhaps it's about deepening relationships with friends and family, or working towards a promotion at work. Whatever it is, acknowledging these desires is the first step. Write them down. Make a plan. Break it into small, manageable actions. Every day, remind yourself of what you’re working towards and take steps in that direction.

Imagine a scenario. You’re stuck in a rut—work is monotonous, your social life feels stale, and you’re just...blah. It’s easy to slip into a passive routine where you’re going through the motions but not actually living. How do you snap out of it? Start by rekindling your desires. Remember what excites you, what makes you laugh, what you’ve always wanted to do but never found time for. Maybe you’ve always wanted to run a marathon. It seems daunting, right? But the minute you start training, setting small milestones, and visualizing crossing that finish line—something shifts. You’ve got a purpose, a goal, something that makes you get out of bed with a sense of excitement.

And here’s the thing—this doesn’t mean you’ll get everything you want. Sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination. The process of wanting, striving, and working towards something can be incredibly fulfilling in itself. So next time you find yourself feeling stagnant or unfulfilled, check in with your desires. Reignite that spark. Because the day you stop wanting things really is the day you stop truly living.