What is the difference between living and existing?

For me, to exist means that the Department of Home Affairs has information on Yolisa on when she was born, that she is female, has two children and has an identity document. This means that I am still alive, as they do not have a death certificate yet. This is Yolisa being in records of every organisation she has worked for or universities that she has studied at. This is merely information about me and my whereabouts.

To live, it means to take risks with your life. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro would be extremely risky because I am scared of heights. This is to challenge myself in my abilities and life experiences. Life is an adventure and there are life lessons to be learnt along the way. I look back at my life, I laugh at myself at things I have done. Being young and stupid is allowed, just not all your life. This adventure has made me a stronger person with fewer fears. I have learnt to be kind to myself especially when I have taken the wrong turn.

I have gone back to university to study and challenged myself to complete what I had started. I have challenged myself to live my dream, it is scary but it is happening. I have regained my self-esteem and confidence. This must not be mistaken with arrogance; this confidence has been given to me by God. They say behind every successful man is an even more successful woman. For me, behind this strong, young woman is a powerful, Living God. This light that shines in my smile and my personality, it is God shining through and being glorified.

Living is not about sitting down and feeling sorry for you. You have to stand up and believe in your dreams even if they seem impossible to the next person. You cannot let fear rule your life. As I live my life, I am writing my book of life. I have chosen to have a book full of wonderful stories that will be a legacy for my children and their children and their children's children.

It is your choice whether you want to live or exist only in the books of the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Labour. I want to live in the history books of South Africa and beyond be an inspiration to future generations.