Stand Alone

The winner stands alone, said Paulo Coelho in his famous book by that title. But one of the real lessons is somewhere buried in the book. He says "Talent is a universal gift, but it takes a lot of courage to use it. Don't be afraid to be the best.” 

The problem with being the best is that one has to stand alone. In a crowd of a thousand, the best carries a cross. The cross of a thousand burdens that he or she took to be the best. The cross that does not cower one's shoulder, but makes it strong to bear the the sense of being alone with poise. Talent is not the thousand bruises that we gather as we run along the shrubs in the forest of life. It is the shine that we acquire as we scrub the breast plate of our endeavors with the polish of our courage to test life. Yes, life does not test anyone. We test life and tempt our fate. The stronger the will we apply, the more shine gets on to the breast plate. The more shine, the brilliant is the dazzle. And, of course who will miss a dazzle in a forest of dark fears? The winner definitely stands alone, but he stand in the luminescence of his own courage.

A river is not considered as mighty unless it gorges the rocks and streams forth in a deluge, taking down everything that stands in its way. A pliant run of water would scarcely be called a stream and, if at all, only to be seen to run into a pile of sand. A mighty river on the other hand, challenges the earth and makes its own way. A winner is very much like the river, serene when by himself; thundering and roaring, when challenged and illimitable in his stretch.

Stand if you have to, but do not be afraid to stand alone. It is in that loneliness that you will find your real strength. For, you are the child of your own destiny, a destiny that you make for yourself.