“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 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 & its turbulent emotions, those that make your eyes glisten & 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, or with your surroundings.  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.”

-Pablo Neruda

The photos below speak to me of these themes of LIVING: