Do or Die?

    There are very few things in this life that are do or die.  Demands at gunpoint, medical procedures, methods of protection.   Even these things are uncertain; one could, presumably NOT do and NOT die... the probability is just highly against him.  Now that's one philosophy, I happen to have a different idea of life.  Let me build my position brick by brick - starting, of course, with the foundation.  Living is the opposite of dying... is that fair to say?  For my purposes, we'll say it is.  So if this is true, then dying can be defined as NOT living.  While this is obvious, the basis of my theory lies not in my definition of dying, but of living.
     This is hard to pin down, for words are rarely sufficient in describing feelings, truths that echo deep within our souls.  I do believe that if any given person stopped all activity to reflect, the answer would become evident to him.  Most do not live, some grow closer than others yet never reach the threshold of life.  To live is to be absent of fear, regret, numbness.  To live is to feel, to truly feel without restraint.  To live is freedom.  To live is to know your purpose.  All things were created with one purpose: to glorify their creator.  While that may seem a meager calling, it is not only the noblest, but the most satisfying purpose one can obtain.  All this said, few people live. 
      Whether it be doubt, fear, pride, regret, or any other of countless possibilities, something holds them back.  I was held back by these same restraints and still am often - anyone who tells you that he lives completely free is either delusional or very proud, and often those two things are one in the same.  I was held back by these insecurities, they covered me with heavy shackles, but those restraints were broken.  Now I may seem ridiculous, crazy, careless, but in truth, I am free.  I don't allow judgments to guide my decisions.  Sometimes that rubs off on the people around me and I find someone who will be truly nutty with me. 
       Friday night was like that.  My Aunt, Uncle, and cousins went to a restaurant to see a friend's band play.  Their music was good for dancing so we all got up and began to jig, boogie, square dance, and let loose in many other ways.  We certainly looked ridiculous but we didn't care.  As a result of our freedom many others followed our example and soon we had around ten people dancing to the music.  While it was small victory, I will cherish the memory for two reasons: I danced my heart out and had the best time doing it, and I (along with the help of my wonderful family) gave a few others the chance to do so as well. 
       The point of this is that if  you're not doing (living), you're dying.  Death is not living and living is being free.  Therefore if you hesitate because of insecurities of any kind, you are not living... do or die.  Even if you're unsure of your purpose or your beliefs, take the risk and live a little... live a lot!  It will feel uncomfortable to begin, but before long, you won't be able to imagine living any other way.  Life is a gift not a competition; don't squander your time on the crowd.