- Life is a dream, isn't it?
- Yes, A dream within a dream...

Sometimes, life can feel like an unending shadow, a space where hope is barely a whisper, and every minute stretches out with an aching sense of emptiness. The desire for peace, for an end to the suffering, can become overwhelming, yet somehow, a deeper fear holds us back from stepping into the final quiet. It’s a paradox: longing for an escape but fearing the very stillness that promises it.  What keeps us tethered when everything feels so heavy?

Maybe it's the small, instinctive will to survive, even when it feels like a mere echo of something once vibrant. Or perhaps it's the uncertainty of what lies beyond, the unknown that gives even more weight to our hesitation. 

The idea of leaving feels tempting, yet the courage to follow through never quite manifests, a mystery in itself.  Being young is supposed to be a time of adventure, risk, and laughter, a time for creating memories worth holding onto forever. Yet, for some, it feels like being trapped in an endless loop, with joy always out of reach. It’s an isolating feeling, one that makes you wonder if you’re the only one experiencing this turmoil.  Still, maybe the presence of fear means there’s a part of you that’s not ready to give up. Maybe that flicker, even if faint, carries a glimmer of hope that things could change. After all, sometimes the smallest light can guide you through the longest night.

That project I worked on during the Gosaikunda trek with friends was more than just a task—it became a lifeline. At the time, I was emerging from a dark period marked by mental and emotional struggles, where reality felt distorted and hope was scarce. The trek, with its stunning landscapes and the company of my friends, pulled me back to life in ways I hadn’t expected. Each step we took through the mountains grounded me, making me feel more present and alive. 

Our days were filled with laughter, shared stories, and moments of awe at the beauty surrounding us. Time seemed to pass so quickly, almost dreamlike in its intensity. Now, when I look back, it feels like a fleeting, vivid memory—a reminder of how deeply meaningful those days were. That journey didn’t just bring me back to reality; it revived a sense of connection and wonder that I had almost lost.