Love is in the air, but it doesn’t stop there. It can be found in just about every aspect of our lives. Some love is unconditional and other love, well, there are conditions. Love means different things to different people, and it manifests itself in our lives in different ways, through the arts, nature, philosophy, technology and so on. Another way of looking at love is to see the people and things we love as life essentials, as things we can’t live without. This spin on the question of love is the foundation for this most unscientific, but still quite passionate, survey of the community. And so I asked:
What is something you can’t live without and why?
Answers ranged from the tangible to the ethereal; some noted simple pleasures while others spoke of connections of the human, artistic and technological kind; some waxed philosophical; there were shout-outs to loved ones, both man and beast; there was food for the soul and the tummy.
Without further ado, here are the answers you can’t live without. They will make you think and might even warm your heart, which isn’t a bad combination.
Philosophical
Larissa, 50
Something I can’t live without are words of love. I’m a teacher; I always tell my students the best gift you can give anyone is the gift of words and love—affirmation.
Susan, 53
Connection. Connection to humans, connection to animals, connection to the natural world, connection to the spiritual world. Our greatest joys are a shared experience.
Ryan, 28
Faith, but not the religious kind. Rather, faith in that no matter how bad things might seem, knowing that they will get better. Faith has sustained me.
Nature
David, 52
I would say one thing I can’t live without is green space. We have an RV and we love having access to Jordan Lake. I love having access to the greenways and also the mountain bike trails are great around the area.
Michael, 63
Sunlight. Over time and through experience, I’ve come to understand how critically important sunlight is to my overall health, both physical and mental. Basking in the warmth of the sun’s rays is something I make sure I do every day (weather permitting). Seeing and feeling the sun on my skin and on my face makes me happy, optimistic, hopeful and, in a weird way, it reinforces the joy I feel in simply being alive.
Glenn, 49
A thing I can’t live without are the green spaces in the area. With all of the development in the area (I would say almost over-development), having spaces to go walk, exercise, run—like the Tobacco Trail—are extremely important.
Companionship
Price, 33
Something I can’t live without…I’m gonna say my dog. I can live without everything else, but I need a buddy. She is a seven-year-old mutt and her name is Oshi. It’s the bond. That companionship—she is always there.
Neely, 12
One thing I can’t live without is my dog, Oliver. He always knows what you’re feeling and always chooses to feel it with you. He’s the BEST cuddle buddy and I love him so much!
Activity
Rachel, 66
Something I can’t live without is all of my volunteering that I do. I’ve volunteered since I was in my early 20s and that’s what keeps me going.
Greg, 48
Athletics. I really enjoy athletics. Being involved in all aspects of athletics.
Keetyn, 17
Something I can’t live without is travel. I love to go to different places and experience new cultures! This is especially important to me because it is a bonding time with my mom!
Simple Pleasures
Stephanie, 55
Something I can’t live without and why? Hmm, does this need to be a serious answer? If not, the first thing that comes to mind is coffee. I take great delight in that first cup and although I’m trying to drink it black, a cup of coffee with cream is such a pleasure. I don’t have many “vices” left (haha, except perhaps being full of it) and coffee is a pretty harmless one I have zero guilt in indulging in.
Alexander, 17
Something I can’t live without are these patio chairs in my backyard. During the warmer months of the year, I love going outside when they soak up all the heat, and I just sit in them and enjoy the nice weather. It’s something that feels personal to me, even though it isn’t something overly important.
Family
Amanda, 51
Friends! After moving four states away from my family, I have learned to rely on our “chosen” family for support. Without them, raising kids and navigating life would be near impossible. It takes a village!
Melanie, 46
My family is the one thing I can’t live without. I center my life around them. They are part of everything I do. Even my professional goals include them. My family is my Why.
Ava, 11
I can’t live without my cousin, Tara, because when I was little, I always went to see her in her school musicals and plays. Every time I told my mom, “I want to do that.” My cousin, Tara, inspired me to do theater so I can’t live without her.
Payton, 25
I can’t live without my fiancé. He is my best friend, greatest source of entertainment, biggest cheerleader, and my soft place to land. He fills my life with joy, peace, and fun.
Adalynn, 11
I can’t live without my sister because she is the best. I am so glad I have a sister like her! She is one year old.
Technology
Nate, 17
Uhhh …my phone, because of the entertainment.
Liz, 73
My iPad. I love unwinding by playing games. Keeps my mind sharp!
Megan, 45
My heated blanket or heated mattress pad. I’m always freezing!
Jacqueline, 16
One thing I can’t live without is my phone. I know it’s bad but really it’s how I stay connected with my friends and family. It’s also how I listen to music and learn about new topics.
The Arts
Talia, 16
One thing I can’t live without is the arts. From music to theater or just sketching, having a creative outlet is really important to me because it brings balance to my life. I find that it’s more fulfilling than spending all my time online, and it allows me to dedicate my time to something meaningful.
Gracie, 24
I can’t live without Taylor Swift. I listen to her music all day every day. She understands all the experiences you go through as a woman, and it makes me feel like I’m not alone. I’ll forever be a Swiftie!
Lilly, 18
One thing I can’t live without are books. Similar to theater, books transport you to a different world. This different setting allows me to take a break from my own reality and helps me understand my own life and emotions.
Madeline, 19
I can’t live without music because it helps me get through hard times through the lyrical aspect where similar emotions and experiences can be connected and shared, as well as the way music makes me feel more alive and happier—especially live music.
Sophia, 18
Music, because there are countless types of songs for countless moments. Music can always bring you back to a specific moment in time.
Home
Spencer, 47
I can’t live without the peace and quiet of my home. Our property is very comforting and doesn’t have any of the noise of the “outside world.” We have a beautiful lake in front of our home and the water and nature bring needed serenity.
Everything All at Once
Frances, senior citizen
Regarding this question, I think immediately of life-sustaining needs, like air; water; food; safe, secure surroundings; adequate clothing; good medical care; family and friends; and a sense of my place in the universe. Beyond the essentials, I think of quality-of-life enrichers, like music, gardens, laughter, and a perpetual list of challenging work projects. Lastly, I think of many facilitators of my life, including microwaves and toaster ovens; coffee and tea; blue jeans and tennis shoes; Tide and Clorox; refrigerators and freezers; cars and trucks; books, smart phones, laptop computers, and the internet. These essentials, enhancers, and facilitators, all combined, make my life not only biologically and psychologically feasible but simply wonderful. I am truly blessed!
What can’t you live without? It’s a worthy question with many worthy answers. If nothing else, this most unscientific survey provided a simple, yet comforting answer—there is a lot of love in Apex.
. By Michael Laches){kind=link}