by Beamlak Alebel (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
In the background is a muted sunset. On the right side of the photo, a person uses their hands to make a “frame” around the setting sun.
Yes, I am unique —
my gut became my greatest teacher.
It whispered truths through pain and peace,
showing me the strength in stillness,
the courage in listening,
and the power in being mindful of my body and mind.
I learned to honor,
to protect my quiet spaces,
to find balance between struggle and strength,
between ambition and acceptance,
between the heart’s desires and the body’s needs.
Through pain, I discovered patience.
Through discomfort, I discovered resilience.
Through every challenge, I discovered myself.
Awareness became my guiding light —
a lens through which I saw not just my struggles,
but my strengths, my possibilities, my growth.
It taught me not to blame,
not to expect perfection,
but to understand, accept, and nature.
Now, I walk as an all-rounded soul,
shaped by scars,
strengthened by storms,
yet softened by compassion.
I have learned that life’s lessons are never small;
each one shapes us, molds us,
and pushes us to rise higher than we imagined.
In the CCYAN community, I have found reflection.
Here, voices rise together,
hearts open together,
stories weave together into one shared hope.
We are not alone in our journeys —
our struggles are witnessed, our victories celebrated,
our voices lifted to inspire one another.
My gut has taught me more than pain;
it has taught me presence,
purpose,
patience,
and peace.
It has taught me that even in moments of uncertainty,
even when life feels heavy,
we can remain mindful, balanced, and whole.
And through it all, I continue to grow —
an all-rounded human,
aware, strong, compassionate, and ever-learning.
Photo Credit to: Shutterstock