It is very helpful to try to be alive while you are alive. Do things that make your life feel interesting, somewhat exciting, and give you a feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction. It is even better if you are doing those things with people whom you care about.

While that won’t cure diseases, it will help you get through them. Last year, much of my time and energy was occupied by treatments for cancer. Not fun. I got to see what life feels like when there isn’t a lot of pleasure or satisfaction. Having no energy and often feeling awful can make a person question the purpose of existence, which is always an uncomfortable question.

Upon rejoining the living, the importance of feeling some sense of purpose, and a connection to others becomes vibrantly clear. Happier is better.