To everyone who thinks they’re living the dream…

You see them smiling in photos, posting degrees, promotions, and travel stories.

You think,

"They made it."

"They’re living the life."

"They must be so happy."

But let me ask you something.

• Do you know how it feels to sleep in an empty room, after a long, exhausting day?

• Do you know what it’s like to travel alone, because no one’s around to share the journey?

• Do you know how quiet it is to eat dinner by yourself, every single night?

• Do you know how hollow birthdays feel when you're all by yourself?

• Do you know how heavy mornings are when you wake up to silence?

• Do you know how it feels to cry, and have no one notice?

This isn’t a dream.

It’s a season of sacrifice.

It’s a phase of survival.

You see their progress.

You don’t see the price.

Because behind the smile, there is struggle.

Behind the strength, there is solitude.

They’re not just chasing success.

They’re breaking generational curses.

They’re healing what was never healed.

They’re building a life that no one in their family has ever lived before.

They’re doing it alone,

So one day, no one else in their family will have to.

So the next time you say, “Wow, you’re doing so well,”

Say it with love. With care. With curiosity.

Ask how they really are.

Because, this phase?

This phase is unsuccessful.

One day, they will be successful.

Today, they are not.

- Akshet Patel