To Live or To Be?

To live – is morning, when the heart beats faster

because the sun is shining outside the window.

It’s laughter on a train that doesn’t know where it’s going,

but knows it’s travelling with friends.

It’s a map spread out on the grass,

dreams spoken aloud,

and love that doesn’t ask, “For how long?”

but only: “How much do you dare?”

To live – is journeys without plans,

dancing in the rain,

listening to a stranger’s story

and thinking: “Maybe I have something to say too.”

It’s helping without expecting anything back,

thoughts born in silence,

desires with no limits.

It’s learning – not for a degree,

but for yourself.

It’s a trip beyond the self,

exploring the landscape of your soul.

To be – is evening, when the light outside fades,

and so does the one within.

It’s a day that looks just like yesterday,

and tomorrow, which will likely be the same.

Work – home – work – home –

a loop with no pause.

The TV hums,

but you don’t hear it, because you don’t want to anymore.

To be – is anger without reason,

mistrust of a smile,

envy of someone else’s happiness,

and apathy whispering: “What’s the point?”

It’s boredom that puts on shoes

and goes for a walk with you.

It’s dislike for people,

for yourself,

for the world,

because no one asked if you wanted to be.

But sometimes…

deep within this being,

there flickers a spark:

a thought: “What if…?”

And then –

one phone call to a friend,

one decision: “I’ll leave,”

one smile you’re not faking –

and suddenly, you begin to live again.

Because being doesn’t have to mean the end.

It can be a moment of rest,

a deep breath before the leap.

And living doesn’t have to mean constant joy –

sometimes it’s trouble, pain, perseverance.

But it’s movement.

It’s pulse.

It’s you saying:

“I am. And I want more.”

So don’t ask: To live or to be?

Ask instead:

“Am I allowing myself to live today?”

Because to be is given.

But to live – is a choice.

Small. Everyday.

Huge.

“Don’t run from being.

But never forget life.”