You Start Dying Slowly

There’s a poem going around the internet, often shared on Facebook 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. The poem was originally attributed to Pablo Neruda, but digging deeper I learned it was not the Chilean poet’s after all. An article in Latin American Herald Tribute reports, “Muere Lentamente” is the work of Brazilian writer Martha Medeiros. It is remarkable how this Brazilian poet, despite not getting the acclaim and recognition for her work is taking it all in stride. The article says she is not losing sleep over it, and has “enough of a sense of humor to laugh at all this.” That speaks volume of a person who is not dying slowly. So on this dreary 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 Char Kway Teow 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 BIG every single minute of every day!

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 colours

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…

Maida’s Touch-Feeding Restless Appetites

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