Before Victory

If I have learned but one thing from life, it is this: sometimes, the darkest hour leads us to our brightest place.

I have learned
that the most toxic person can teach us our most essential lesson;
that the hardest struggles can carry us toward our most important growth;
and that even the most heart-wrenching loss of friendship and love can make room for the most wonderful people to enter our lives.

I have also learned that what seems like a curse in this moment may one day become life's greatest blessing; and whenever it feels that all roads ahead are closed, perhaps that is precisely when we must understand: now I must walk a different path, if I wish to reach my destination.

Life has taught me that no matter how difficult survival becomes, there is always some hope that remains. Leaning on that hope, we can draw near to our dreams.

I have also discovered that no matter how powerless we consider ourselves, no matter how terrifying life may seem, we must never give up. Those who persist are the ones who can accomplish something good in life. Give up, and everything ends!

We must move forward, continue our work; we cannot stop, no matter the pain. Even if everything seems absurd and senseless, even if we feel utterly drained, we must gather ourselves and begin walking the path again. We cannot stop, no matter what anyone says!

Let us remember that whatever battles we fight in this moment, whatever obstacles lie ahead, all of this will pass. If we persist, some path or other will surely emerge!

Since we are still alive, since we have come this far in life, we can surely traverse the remaining journey as well. One must become a traveler before becoming victorious!