The Bravery to Arrive
The 43rd letter to you.
A journey starts with a single step. The road ahead might be arduous, and even difficult to tread on, but each step taken is a resolute choice to reach a long-awaited finish line. The destination may be far ahead, but making the choice to arrive is an act of bravery. Just like a life with many setbacks and challenges, stained with invisible blood and wounds, even when the events of yesterday are over, the scars left by betrayal, hurt, and unspeakable traumatic experiences remain without anyone noticing. It’s real, and it has been hard, but to avoid affecting those around me and blaming the world and its people, I smile. I can put my emotions and feelings on hold for a more appropriate time to process them when those around me need my attention. I am adept at it; like a chameleon changing its color to hide itself, I hide my feelings.
This journey of mine was a choice made before I was even born, and this life of mine is in my own hands. Therefore, I bear all the consequences of what I choose to do and say. I need to own it completely and take responsibility for making myself happy and at peace with the world and the earth’s inhabitants.
I might have walked alone at first, but as I proceeded on the way I had chosen, I met many kindred spirits and benefited greatly from the interactions I had with them. I am no longer lonely even if I am alone on my path, because I know I will meet people who will cross paths with me and walk alongside me, even if only for a short time.
Right now, I have many companions on the road to the same finish line. We support each other, we see the same sky, and we gaze at the same sunset while we take one step at a time. If we feel tired, we simply take a rest, and then cheer each other on again to keep walking to reach our finish line. The goal is not to rush, but to proceed safely and peacefully.
I might have lamented how cruel the world was and almost abandoned the path I was on, wanting to end the journey before I could reach my destination. But luckily I didn’t, because I learned to count my blessings instead of my misfortunes. My journey has a purpose: it is to share the treasures I found on the path I have taken with those who cross my path and interact with me.
Yes, the sunset is a beautiful ending for the day, and many more are to come as long as I am alive, and even after death. The sun will always be there regardless of what happens in the world. I want to be as optimistic and cheerful as possible, because I appreciate how the sun adorns the landscape on my journey.
