Courage

 

                                                      watercolor made in Salzburg by Amarie                                             

Life, in all its complexity, is rarely fair. Some are born surrounded by promises and privileges, while others begin their journey under unfavorable auspices, marked by the pain of an incurable disease, rare genetically transmitted disabilities, poverty, or repeated hardships. True courage lies in the ability to face these adversities and embrace existence, even when the stars seem not to shine for you. This may mean growing up in a difficult environment, facing injustices, or not having the same opportunities as others. Yet, the first step towards a better future is to accept this fate as the foundation upon which one can build one’s destiny. From then on, recognize the wounds and challenges while refusing to let them dictate every aspect of your existence, transforming pain into a driving force. Being resilient means having the ability to bounce back after failures, to learn from mistakes, and to keep moving forward despite obstacles.
Dreaming is perhaps the most audacious act; it requires faith, hope, and sometimes even blindness to the realities of life. But dreams are the engine of change, requiring obstinate courage, strength, and unwavering determination, demanding belief in the idea that the stars, no matter how distant, can be reached with enough will and effort. The courage to embrace life when circumstances seem unfavorable is a deeply human and inspiring act. It reminds us that challenges are not walls, but steps that elevate us towards our greatest successes. Being born under a bad star can be the beginning of a story of transformation and triumph, where the light eventually shines, not in the sky, but in the hearts of those who never give up.

During a Flemish television show, I was touched by the performance of Karl, a 44-year-old participant who is almost blind. Every week, in collaboration with his coach Margot, he impresses with his bravery, determination, and human qualities during his performances on the dance floor. Despite the rare disease he suffers from, which has gradually deprived him of his sight since the age of 16, Karl participates with remarkable enthusiasm in the show "Dancing with the Stars." His journey, marked by successive trials such as a kidney stone, surgery for abdominal cancer, and the loss of his mother, is poignant and inspires our admiration. The stages that are accepted without opposition and accompanied by an adaptation to new challenges include the revocation of the driver's license, the loss of the ability to read, the loss of independence, and the loss of the ability to write, to witness the growth of one's child, to look at oneself in the mirror, etc. This leads us to the conclusion that, even in unfavorable conditions from birth, it is essential not to be discouraged but to fight against adversity daily.