I’m writing to you from Dallas, where I’ve come to spend some precious time with my parents.

During this time, I came across Mário de Andrade's poem, "The Valuable Time of Maturity," and it struck a deep chord within me. I wanted to share this beautiful reminder with all of you... May you embrace the essence of life, focus on what truly nourishes your soul, and make every moment count!

The Valuable Time of Maturity
by Mário de Andrade

I counted my years
and realized that
I have less time to live by,
than I have lived so far.

I have more past than future.

I feel like a child who got a bowl of cherries.
At first, she gobbled them,
but when she realized there were only few left,
she began to taste them intensely.

I no longer have time to deal with mediocrity.

I do not want to be in meetings where flamed egos parade.

I am bothered by the envious,
who seek to discredit the most able,
to usurp their places, coveting their seats,
talent, achievements, and luck.

I do not have the patience for useless conversations
discussing the lives of others
who are not part of mine.

I no longer have the time to manage the sensitivities
of people, who, despite their chronological age,
simply won’t grow up.

I don’t want to confront those who struggle for power,
those that ‘do not debate content, only the labels.

My time has become scarce to debate labels,

I want the essence.

My time is too short. My soul is in a hurry.

Not many cherries in my bowl.

I want to live close to humans, very human people,
who laugh at their own mistakes,

are not inflated by their triumphs,
and take responsibility for their actions.

It is the essentials that make life worth living.

I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch hearts, people who have been taught by the hard blows of life to grow with gentle touches of the soul

Yes, I’m in a hurry.
I’m in a hurry to live with the intensity that only maturity can give.

I do not intend to waste any of the remaining cherries.

I am sure they will be exquisite, much more than those eaten so far.

My goal is to reach the end satisfied
and at peace with my loved ones and my conscience.

We have two lives,
and the second begins when you realize you only have one.

Sending you warmest wishes,
Deb

Embrace the preciousness of life