Is this an “event” or an “experience?”  Some will look at this photo and say that these people are at an event.  According to Dictionary.com,  an EVENT is “something that happens or is regarded as happening; an occurrence, especially one of some importance; something that occurs in a certain place during a particular interval of time.”

Others will look at this same photo and declare that these people are having an experience.  Dictionary.com reads that an EXPERIENCE is “a particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing something; the process or fact of personally observing, encountering, or under going something.”

As you take the time to REALLY look at this photo, what would you say it is?  An EVENT or an EXPERIENCE?

My PERSONAL distinction between these two words is that one is something that you go to and the other is something that you have.  Going to the “carnival or fair” can be an event or it  can be an experience.  The “birth of a child” can be an event or it can be an experience.  A “wedding” can be an event or it can be an experience.  A “funeral” can be an event or it can be an experience.  It is all about the connection.  Your connection to the incident dictates whether it will be one or the other.  I know of folks whose lives are (were) events with no depth of feeling, boring, or a mere existence.  Then there were/are others whose lives could be described as experiences of a profound, influential, life changing nature.  What could people say about your life?  Would they, or could they say that you are/were one who is fascinating, exciting, compassionate, adventurous, unpredictable, erratic, calm, soothing, etc.?  Would they, or could they say that you are/were one who is dull, uninteresting, lack luster, a mere blemish on the face of life?

This thought has held my mind for many days as several people I’ve known have transitioned from this plain to the next.  Is my life an event or an experience?  Think about your life as I ask you again. . . What could people say about your life?

Be the EXPERIENCE whose life educates, elevates, and embraces others through EVENTS!

~~~Malinda~~~