Thanks Stormie, and this question goes beyond the 'generic' and gets at the heart of what we're doing here I believe---and that certainly encompasses helping others as Fred said, enjoying the 'presence' of animals, and even 'sex' if it's done 'right' or not! ;-)) (I always remember those empowering endorphins are released during laughter, chocolate, and sexual activity! And what if you combine all three!!!!)

But the goal for my life is to find those areas that are most energizing, making me feel alive. As an ENFP Myers Briggs, that info helps me see those areas, as well as the 5 Love Languages'. Perhaps the most helpful way for me is to keep finding out what God is doing and keep JUMPING IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT! Which relates to what Shiela wrote. Lastly, writing, communicating, empowering others helps me most feel alive!

Besides the breath of life, to feel really alive I must have passion & love for what I create in my life.

Breath not only keeps me alive - it inspires me, it fuels me, reminding me that as close as my breathing is to me, God is even closer. To feel alive I must be fully present in the moment and not allow my mind to wander absently into judging or describing what is before me. Each experience is a gift from God and deeming it good or bad is just a habit of the mind. Everything simply is. IT is and GOD is and I am. Now THIS is living!

Well I know I am alive because I am breathing. Every minute I breathe twenty times and in 15 minutes this occurs three hundred times. Each one is a blessing that comes freely because the Lord giveth. Another opportunity in this minute of life to do something or say something positive that brings a simple and complete restorative action within. From that I know that I am real. What is its purpose within only the Lord knows that for sure. I can only do and react that which I have to work with. And for that I am ever greatful. Thank you for the opportunity to express ourselves in that which others may be drawn into the same providence in which He gave in the first place. When we share with others that which the Lord gave to us we are working within and not without.

I work part time in a local community hospital. I feel mostly alive when I am assigned a challenging patient and help to bring comfort to a stranger and to give support to the medical staff. I am not a doctor....Fred

I have to admit that Vivi-Mari is a lady after my own heart. Although, her answer does beg the question: what does she mean by "sex when it works"? The answer could be very intriguing...

Sex when it works, and cats