It is easy to overlook this thought that life just is. 

As humans we are inclined to feel that life must have a point. 

We have plans and aspirations and desires. 

We want to take constant advantage of all the intoxicating existence we've been endowed with.

 But what's life to a lichen? 

Yet its impulse to exist, to be, is every bit as strong as ours—arguably even stronger.

 If I were told that I had to spend decades being a furry growth on a rock in the woods, I believe I would lose the will to go on. 

Lichens don't.

 Like virtually all living things, 

they will suffer any hardship, 

endure any insult, 

for a moment's additional existence

 Life, in short, just wants to be.