Sonder (And Other Things I Forgot to Feel) - By Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

Written By: Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Georgia Jansen van Vuuren, writing as Sonder, presents a compelling piece titled "Sonder (And Other Things I Forgot to Feel)" in the poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This vibrant work delves into the profound awareness of shared human experiences and the unnoticed stories surrounding us. With the poignant theme of interconnectedness, Georgia invites readers to pause and reflect on the lives entwined within fleeting interactions.

About the Work

In "Sonder (And Other Things I Forgot to Feel)," Georgia Jansen van Vuuren crafts a vivid tapestry of human existence, using evocative imagery and contemplative prose. The poem captures the essence of ordinary yet extraordinary moments, urging an appreciation of life's subtleties. Through a reflective and introspective lens, the piece encourages mindfulness and kindness, celebrating the miraculous nature of everyday experiences and the silent resilience we all share.

Sonder

Original Submission by Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

“Sonder (And Other Things I Forgot to Feel)”

There’s a word.

Sonder.

The sudden awareness

that every person you pass

has a life just as real as yours.

Every stranger—

a world.

A pulse.

A pain.

A memory they don’t talk about.

A joy they don’t know how to hold.

And isn’t that wild?

That right now,

while you’re reading this

someone is falling in love.

Someone is losing everything.ł

Someone is laughing so hard they forget the world ever hurt them.

And someone is looking at you,

wishing they had your strength.

Your fire.

Your breath.

We are living miracles

distracted by notifications.

Walking galaxies

too busy chasing tomorrow

to feel today.

But pause—

just for a moment.

Feel that?

That’s your life.

Yours.

This moment?

This breath?

You once dreamed of it.

You once sat in a room you hated,

begging for freedom.

And now look—

you’re free.

Maybe not in every way,

but in the ways that count.

You’ve got choices.

You’ve got chances.

You’ve got this minute—

unpromised, unrepeatable.

And yes,

it’s not perfect.

But who said it had to be?

You don’t need a reason to celebrate.

You are the reason.

You woke up.

You’re here.

You’ve made it through every single day you thought would break you.

That’s not survival.

That’s a quiet kind of divine.

You’re currently living

the things you once whispered about,

prayed for,

waited on.

And maybe they didn’t arrive exactly how you pictured—

but they came.

And they’re yours.

So breathe it in.

Own your story.

Be in awe of your ordinary.

Because one day,

this will be the memory

you wish you could go back to.

And as for the others—

the people you pass on the street,

in traffic,

in checkout lines,

remember:

They are living their own firsts,

their own lasts,

their own in-betweens.

They’re holding it together,

or falling apart,

just like you.

So move with kindness.

Live with presence.

Speak with reverence.

Because we’re all walking each other home—

strangers,

stars,

and stories.

And today?

Today is not just a Tuesday,

or a blur.

It’s a page.

A piece.

A life.

And it’s yours.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices and creative expression. It invites participants worldwide to share their literary talents, fostering a community of writers dedicated to exploring the depths of human experience through poetry and prose. This event highlights the transformative power of words and the universal themes that resonate across cultures and continents.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Georgia Jansen van Vuuren for sharing "Sonder (And Other Things I Forgot to Feel)" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices that make this event so special. Thank you for offering your profound insights and for reminding us of the beauty in our shared humanity.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.