Like Rudyard Kipling´s IF, this is one of life´s seminal poems about how we should live life. That in order to not slowly wither, we must live consciously, take the slow road and listen equally to the sounds and the silence of life. We should not be afraid of change, because joy can only be found by experiencing the unknown as well as the known. And in order to do that, we need to change our attitude and perspective and allow ourselves to express our emotions through colour. He reminds us that we are social creatures who cannot survive alone, but we must love and respect ourselves first and foremost. And finally, we should not be afraid to take a risk because sticking to the safe path will ultimately leave us dissatisfied.
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 every day 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 feeling 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.”
(This poem is most often attributed to Chilean, Nobel-winning poet Neruda, but there are claims it is actually written by Brazilian writer Martha Medeiros. Either way, its message is clear.)