My battle began with anger and with war in my heart and with rage on the verge of pouring out. And it was with anger and hate and vengence that I began my battle. I claimed my life back from slavery! And that is a tremendous battle.
The enemy is clever and uses mind control in addition to physical bondage. So, you have to protect many fronts from attack. The attacks come often. And you have to stand your ground and be alert to any weaknessness in your line. You can't allow one single cigarette to sneak through your line of defense. Only one in your camp is enough to sabbatage your plan for success.
You have to stand tall when you are weak and when you are tired and when you want to give up. You have to stand brave when you are harboring thoughts of throwing down your weapons and joining the other side. You have to stare in the face of the enemy when it is laughing at you and threatening to defeat you. And when you think you can't stand up to it anymore - you can! You have to find the strength somewhere to come back and hold tighter and longer and stronger.
Little by little, the enemy will weaken. And little by little, hour by hour, day by day, you will strengthen. And then, one day, you will be alone. You will look around and realize it. You will still be clutching your weapon with frozen fingers that are curled tightly, but you will be alone. You will so very slowly relax, because you are tense still, anticipating a surprise attack. But gradually, you will relax. And then, smile.
The best part is when you claim your victory and walk your land (life) and rejoice in how beautiful it is and how very very worthwhile this battle was. But in the mornings, before sunrise, you are standing there waiting on the sun, scanning the horizon. Because you know, you have to keep watch, just in case.
I've been standing here for 86 days now. It's a good feeling. Oh, one more thing ... I'm not alone. I have many who have fought beside of me. They are here with me, just like I'm here with you. So, prepare for battle!
Look to your right and left, don't you see us standing here with our armour shining and our swords drawn? I'm the one right here, right now, beside of you.
