You Start Dying Slowly

You start dying slowly
If you do not travel,
If you do not read,
If you do not listen to the sounds of life,
If you do not appreciate yourself.

You start dying slowly
When you kill your self-esteem;
When you do not let others help you.

You start dying slowly
If you become a slave of your habits,
Walking everyday on the same paths…
If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colors
Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.

You start dying slowly
If you avoid to feel passion
And their turbulent emotions;
Those which make your eyes glisten
And your heart beat fast.

You start dying slowly
If you do not change your life when you are not satisfied with your job, or with your love,
If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain,
If you do not go after a dream,
If you do not allow yourself,

At least once in your lifetime,

To run away from sensible advice…
 

By Pablo Nerula,


( Spanish Poet )  Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971 

Very very true. Every word. Thank you Sir.

There would be more happiness and less discontent in the world if people listened to the advice in the poem. Being grateful for what we have, stopping to take pleasure in nature’s beauty around us, and creating loving relationships with family and friends is what it’s all about. Hug at least one person every day. Admire the colors of the sunset, the different shades of green in the spring, and enjoy all the flowers that represent the basis of life beginning all over again. Hold a new baby whenever you can.

There’s a poem going around the internet, often shared on Facebook/whatsapp called “You Start Dying Slowly.” Its words seeped through my soul. It touched the bits of me that don’t feel quite alive and vibrant right now.

 So on this lovely day, I leave you with this poem to ponder on. Take some time to find what in you is dying slowly and how the zombie in you can return to the land of the living. Whether it is a job you have long wanted to resign from, or your desire to migrate to a place where you feel like you truly belong, or even for once wear something instead of black, or to order samosa or paratha instead of your favorite spaghetti. We’re all in a rut somehow. I know I am. And it’s time to get out of our comfort zones and to finally live fully!

I know I will be reading this poem over again and again, and reflecting on. It is a great reminder to live LARGE every single minute of every day!