Witness to Myself

Witness to Myself

Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Some paths are smooth and easy, while others are rough and treacherous. Along the way, some people find companions who walk beside them, offering support and encouragement. Others must travel alone, battling obstacles with nothing but their own determination. My journey has been one of struggles, hardships, and countless lonely battles. The road was never easy, yet my dreams were grand, and my resolve to achieve them was unyielding. But who truly witnessed the sleepless nights, the silent tears, and the relentless efforts? No one... except me.

From a young age, life taught me the harsh realities of poverty. I grew up surrounded by scarcity, with dreams much bigger than my circumstances. While other children played without a care in the world, I was out working alongside my parents, helping to make ends meet. School was not just about learning; it was a place where I faced the sting of inequality. I went to school barefoot, unable to afford even a pair of shoes. My books were borrowed, my clothes were worn out, but my spirit was unwavering.

Every compliment from my teachers carried the weight of countless sacrifices. Behind every good grade were nights spent under the dim light of a flickering lamp, fighting off sleep and hunger. There were days when even one meal was a luxury, and nights when I went to bed on an empty stomach. Yet, amid all this hardship, my hunger for education burned brighter than my hunger for food. I kept moving forward, motivated by my dreams and driven by a silent promise I had made to myself—to break free from the chains of poverty and carve out a better future.

But who saw the struggles behind the smiles? Who knew the pain behind my perseverance? No one. People saw my achievements, but they never saw the battles I fought to reach them. They praised my successes without realising the cost at which they came. They celebrated my victories without knowing the tears shed along the way. The only witness to my struggles, my failures, and my triumphs was me.

I remember the days when the world seemed to conspire against me. When hunger gnawed at my insides, and despair threatened to consume my spirit. When people mocked my dreams, laughed at my ambitions, and said, “He will never make it.” Those words cut deep, leaving scars that took years to heal. But every time I fell, I picked myself up. Every time doubt clouded my mind, I found courage within. My heart whispered, “Keep going. Don’t give up.” In those moments of loneliness, I became my own source of strength. I was my own motivator, my own mentor.

Many people crossed my path during this journey. Some walked beside me for a while, offering temporary support. Others left when the road got too rough, choosing easier paths for themselves. But no matter how many people came and went, I never abandoned my dreams. I kept pushing forward, even when it meant walking alone. In moments of despair, I allowed myself to cry, to feel the pain, but I never allowed myself to give up. I turned my tears into fuel, my pain into power.

Life tested me repeatedly, presenting me with challenges that seemed insurmountable. Yet, with every fall, I learned to rise. With every failure, I learned to grow. I became my own teacher, correcting my mistakes and moving forward with renewed determination. I learned to face my fears, to confront my weaknesses, and to transform them into strengths.

Today, people see my success. They hear my story and applaud my achievements. But they don’t see the countless nights of hard work, the endless hours of struggle, or the silent battles fought within. They don’t see the hunger, the tears, or the sacrifices made along the way. They see the victory, but they don’t see the war I fought to claim it. I am the only witness to the journey, to every step, every fall, every triumph.

When I look at myself in the mirror today, I don’t just see the reflection of success. I see the shadows of my past, the echoes of my struggles. I see the mountain of hard work, built with each drop of sweat. I see the empire of perseverance, constructed with every ounce of courage. I see the scars of battles fought alone, the bruises of dreams defended fiercely. I see the child who dared to dream despite the odds, the youth who defied the world’s expectations, and the adult who emerged victorious against all adversities.

No one can truly understand this journey because no one walked this path with me. I was alone in my struggles, and I am alone in my triumphs. I was the only one who saw the tears, the pain, the failures, and the victories. I am the witness to my life, to my dreams, to my battles, and to my successes.

Yes, I am the witness to my struggles and efforts... and I am proud of that witness. For in witnessing my journey, I have discovered my strength, my courage, and my purpose. And in being my own witness, I have realised that the greatest victory is not in the applause of others but in the silent acknowledgment of oneself.