In addition to the sleepless nights of incredible parties, forging new friendships, and reveling in the breathtaking view over one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the clear days here in Lisbon haven't always been as idyllic as they appear. When authorities declare a code red, the sky no longer remains a serene blue; it becomes veiled in the smoke from wildfires in the south, obscuring the view over the waters.
As I sit on a wall at Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII at this very moment, my heart and emotions resonate with this somber tone. For a while now, I've been grappling with the sentiment that I can't have everything I desire and that victory often comes hand in hand with loss. Material triumphs are tangible, yet the victories of the spirit sometimes feel like losses, and your gains must stem from within yourself. The reward might feel the same, but the approach is entirely distinct.
While I must continue pushing forward, as I haven't yet fulfilled my time here in Lisbon, my objective seems to be growing weightier. My intuition is counseling me; I should harness it as a source of strength. It whispers that losses are just hills and that they're never heavier than my own mental boundaries. At this juncture, it feels as though my limits are being pulled downward. My patience is diminishing, my guidance faltering, my body weakening, and uncertainty burgeons with every passing second.
I am aware that talking might offer solace, but paradoxically, it seems to plunge me deeper into the abyss. Thus, I keep my hands clasped firmly against my chest and strive to give this feeling its rightful place. I don't want to forget it, obscure it, but merely accept it. All I require is time and diversions, so I can navigate my path once more. It's often said that loss accompanies great gains, and in part, I agree. A negative phase opens the door to positive aspirations, and every positive aspiration, no matter how modest or grand, contributes to your personal evolution.
So, if ever you find yourself, much like me and countless others, in a trying phase, surrounded by people but feeling a disconnect that resonates deeply within, always remember that loss contributes to your personal growth and will ultimately lead to triumph!
