When I reflect on the last few years, I can’t help but marvel at the resilience of the human spirit. Surviving a physical assault is a battle I never imagined I would face, but it’s a battle I am learning to win—one day at a time. There were moments when the weight of the trauma felt too heavy to bear, but I’ve come to understand a profound truth: every day survived is a victory won. It is a mantra that has carried me through the darkest nights and the loneliest days, and it is one I hope will inspire others to keep going, no matter what adversity they face.
In the immediate aftermath, survival felt like an abstract concept. The physical pain faded faster than the emotional scars, and it was the latter that seemed insurmountable. I was gripped by fear, anger, and a sense of injustice so profound that it threatened to swallow me whole. But then, a quiet voice within reminded me of the words of Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor who wrote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” I realized I couldn’t rewrite the past, but I could shape the future. Every morning that I got out of bed, every meal I ate, every breath I took was an act of defiance against despair. These small, seemingly mundane actions were victories—proof that I was still here, still fighting.
Faith has been both a comfort and a guide in this journey. I’ve found solace in the words of the Bible, particularly in Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” During moments of doubt and isolation, this verse reminded me that I was never truly alone. I found strength in the idea that there was a higher power walking beside me, celebrating my small triumphs and holding me steady when I faltered. It is this belief that has helped me to see each day as a gift, each moment of survival as a step closer to healing.
In the process of rebuilding, I’ve drawn inspiration from countless others who have faced unimaginable hardships and emerged stronger. The story of Malala Yousafzai, for instance, has been a beacon of hope for me. Shot for advocating girls’ education, she could have given in to fear and anger. Instead, she chose courage and forgiveness, famously stating, “Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” Her resilience reminds me that even in the face of violence and adversity, we have the power to reclaim our narratives and build a future that reflects our dreams rather than our pain.
Of course, the path to healing is not linear. There have been setbacks, days when the weight of my experience felt too heavy to carry. On those days, I’ve turned to the wisdom of others to find my footing. The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous words, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” have been a source of both comfort and motivation. While the pain of trauma is undeniable, it has also shown me the depth of my strength. It has forced me to confront my fears, to reach out for help, and to rebuild my life piece by piece. Every step forward, no matter how small, has been a testament to my resilience.
Community has played an essential role in my journey. In sharing my story, I’ve connected with others who have faced their own battles, and together, we’ve found strength in our shared humanity. It reminds me of the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The people in my life—family, friends, therapists, and even strangers—have shown me that survival is not a solitary act. Their love and support have been lifelines, pulling me back from the brink and helping me to see the beauty that still exists in the world.
There is also a profound power in forgiveness. For a long time, I wrestled with anger—anger at the person who hurt me, anger at a world that could allow such pain to exist. But carrying that anger was exhausting, a burden that weighed heavily on my soul. In time, I came to understand the wisdom in the words of Nelson Mandela: “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing what happened. It means choosing to let go of the anger and bitterness that hold us back from healing. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, a way to reclaim our power and find peace.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that healing is not about erasing the pain but about integrating it into a new narrative. The Japanese art of kintsugi, in which broken pottery is repaired with gold, has become a metaphor for my journey. The cracks in the pottery are not hidden; they are highlighted, transformed into something beautiful. Similarly, the scars I carry—both visible and invisible—are not marks of weakness but of survival. They tell a story of resilience, of a life that refused to be defined by a single moment of pain.
Philosophers and spiritual leaders across time have recognized the transformative power of adversity. The Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” This idea has resonated deeply with me. The assault was an impediment, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, but it has also been a catalyst for growth. It has forced me to confront my vulnerabilities, to seek out strength I didn’t know I had, and to find meaning in the struggle. It has taught me that every day survived is a victory won, a step toward becoming the person I was meant to be.
I’ve also found healing in creative expression. Writing, photography, my graphics work, and especially experiencing music have been outlets for processing the complex emotions that come with trauma. These creative acts are reminders that beauty can emerge from pain, that even in the darkest moments, there is the potential for light. As Leonard Cohen so beautifully wrote, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” These words remind me that perfection is not the goal; survival, growth, and transformation are.
As I continue to navigate this journey, I am struck by the resilience of the human spirit. We are capable of enduring more than we imagine, of finding hope in the most unlikely places, and of rebuilding our lives even after the most devastating losses. Every day I wake up, every day I choose to move forward, I am reminded of the truth that has carried me through: every day survived is a victory won. It is a victory not just for me but for anyone who has faced adversity and chosen to keep going.
In sharing my story, I hope to offer a message of hope and encouragement to others. Life is not without its hardships, but it is also filled with moments of beauty, connection, and triumph. The road to healing is long and often difficult, but it is worth every step. Every day survived is a testament to our strength, a reminder that we are more resilient than we realize. And in that resilience lies the power to overcome, to heal, and to create a future defined not by our pain but by our hope.