Up on a hill

I once stood on a hill, enjoying the view. I inhaled the crisp and pristine air and exhaled my sorrows and troubles. The gentle breeze caressed my face as I gazed at the breath-taking landscape stretching out before me. The distant mountains stood like silent sentinels, and the sun cast a warm glow over the entire scene, painting the world in soft hues of pink and gold. In that moment, I felt a profound sense of peace and serenity wash over me, as if the essence of nature was consoling me and bringing solace to my troubled heart. It was a moment of tranquillity, a respite from the chaotic rhythm of everyday life, and I revelled in the simple beauty of the world around me.

In the blink of an eye, this moment was gone, and I had to descend into the gruesome black and grey of reality. Raging wars on every corner of the world, ugliness taking over. It’s as if our existence is adorned with the scars of conflict and despair, woven into our lives. The relentless turbulence of violence and hostility rips through the delicate balance of peace, leaving chaos and heartache in its wake. Yet, amidst the darkness, rays of hope and resilience pierce through, whispering tales of courage and the unyielding human spirit. Every act of kindness, every endeavour for understanding, and every glimmer of compassion becomes a beacon of light, pushing back against the engulfing shadows.

In those moments, we find the strength to continue, to push through the difficulties, and to believe that there are brighter days ahead. It’s okay to acknowledge the pain, to let it flow through us, and to emerge on the other side with newfound resilience. As we journey on, we carry with us the wisdom gained from our experiences, and we learn to embrace both the light and the shadows, for they shape our existence and make us who we are. In the warmth of the sun, amidst the ebb and flow of emotions, we find the courage to seek out love, to seek out understanding, and to carry on with unwavering determination.

Maybe we are all crazy for trying, crazy for persisting in these times where negativity seems to be all the rage back home. It would be easier to give in and let our flowers wilt in this scorching heat, but easy is not worth fighting for. We are not simply battling the outer forces, but also the internal struggles and doubts that threaten to diminish our resolve. It’s in these moments that we find strength in our vulnerability, and the courage to endure the challenges that come our way. Every small victory becomes a testament to our dedication, propelling us forward in the face of adversity. So let us embrace our ‘craziness’ and continue to strive, for it is in this tenacity that we find purpose and worth.

I admit, I am tired. Exhausted. Gasping for breath. But I want to get up on that hill I once knew. I want to enjoy that view once more, inhale the freedom to be myself. I want to raise my arms, stretch my fingers and touch the clouds. Because I am still here. And you are too. Whether we are walking through the valleys of life or standing on the hills, embrace it. Because just as silently as an eyelash drifts to the ground, as silently our lives can change.

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musings – 573 words – reading time: 3 minutes