Veronika Taught Me To Live...To Live Intensely!

I am very thankful. Thankful for being alive. Every night before I go to sleep, I give thanks because I made it through another day. The same goes for my mornings. What a wonderful feeling it is for me to wake up to the beautiful sound of birds singing, and the warm sun kissing my skin. For me, it's just an overall feeling of gratitude because I have been given the best possible gift ever: the gift of life.

This brings me to a novel that I jut finished reading a few minutes ago, truly deserving of this entry on yours truly's blog. Paulo Coelho's thought-provoking novel "Veronika Decides To Die" explores, with great sensitivity, what it's like to suddenly find out that you have only days to live. This novel had a profound effect on me because it clearly showed how big of an impact "an awareness of life" can have on you, in Veronika's case, through "an awareness of death". As a result of having her days numbered, Veronika was ultimately encouraged to live "more intensely". Her imminent death frightened her, but it was this very fear that forced her to reevaluate her life.

I was, honestly, blown away by how Coelho was able to put this idea or philosophy into perspective in such a beautiful and poetic way, as seen through the eyes of Veronika. This novel is truly magical, in my opinion. It is full of vigor and life in the midst of a young girl who's sentenced to death. Veronika reinforced my gratitude and love for each waking day...for life in general. She took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions and discoveries that are simply unforgettable! Her story intensified my desire to live life, or in the words of Coelho: to live life more intensely.

I now view life as one gigantic well of water and, I must say, I am very thirsty. I plan on drinking from it, exhausting it to the last drop. For this well of water is really the "well of life". Remember: "each day is a miracle, when you consider the number of unexpected things that could happen in each second of our fragile existences". Don't just live...LIVE!