In this time of goal setting and resolution making, I’d like to share this poem with you by Pablo Nerudo entitled You Start Dying Slowly. Listen thoughtfully to the words and let them wash over and through you as you look forward to the new year ahead. Happy 2020 my dear friends!

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 to your habits,

Walking everyday in the same path . . .

If you do not change your routine,

If you do not wear different colors

Or you do not speak to those you do not know.

Your 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 . . .

Written by Pablo Neruda