This week, as I was randomly scrolling down my Facebook News Feed, I happened to come across a poem with the word 'anonymous' written at the bottom of it. It struck me as both appealing and intriguing as soon as I saw the title, "I was dying." Now, I'm not a fan of reading quite anything that has to do with death or opinion pieces written with cynical attitudes. However, this taught me that the cliché phrase of not judging a book (or in this case, a poem) by its cover, is indeed true.
My eyes began to skim the words:
First I was dying to finish high school and start college.
And then I was dying to finish college and start working.
And then I was dying to marry and have children.
And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough for school so I could return to work.
And then I was dying to retire.
And now, I am dying…and suddenly I realize I forgot to live.
When I got to the last line, I declared this poem to be the most relatable piece of work on this earth. In a world where we as humans are constantly surrounded by relentless routines and never-ending runs to school and work, I feel as if I have no time left to breathe. However, I cannot deny that all of the things of which I'm doing now is what I desired to do at some point in my life not too long ago. When I was in high school, I was dying to finish just so I could start college. Now that I'm in college, I find myself saying, "I'm just dying to draw a huge X over exams, constantly drained energy and homework from classes." In a sense, I'm dying to get my diploma just so I can start working, marry the man that God will place rightfully in my path and start my own family.
But is this really what life is about? Waiting until one cycle finishes just so we can start another one? Of course not. Yet, why do we have this tendency to rush and be so reluctant as to take a breather? I find myself not living life but in other words, simply going through it.
However, I'm here to say that I am done engaging in this type of lifestyle. I am here to say that I surrender. And if you are living this type of lifestyle, then I suggest that you willingly do just the same.
Before it's too late...
Enjoy everywaking moment that you have been given on this earth. Life is pure dust and you never know when it will reach its expiration date.
Forgive those who have been cruel to you. Don't wait until you're visiting their tomb one day. Do it now.
Take risks! Stop being paralyzed by fear.
Indulge in activities that make you extraordinarily happy.
Be around the people you absolutely love. Cherish them with all of your heart. And make sure that every moment you spend with them becomes an irreplaceable memory.
These are just a few, but remember, life is not eternal. As you're setting your agenda for the week, don't forget to jot down, "Remember to live," as well.
