Books, countless documentaries on history, politics, crime, and scandals. Endless searches on finance, science, and technology. Hours at the gym, assembling and reassembling weights. Writing journals and penning hundreds of articles. This has truly been one of the most productive years of my life.
Yet, this year also set a new record—the most days I’ve spent indoors. I cut off a significant chunk of socializing, lost a few long-time friends, and deliberately let unproductive conversations fade, all in the name of prioritizing personal growth.
It has been a year of trials, a relentless test of my resilience. My core values challenged, reshaped, and rebuilt—a grueling process but necessary for a stronger sense of self.
Went through moments that forced me to pause, to reflect deeply—not just on my relationships but on my role in the lives of others. Circumstances that made me question how my personality shaped these interactions and how my actions contributed (or didn’t) to the growth of those around me, especially those who look up to me.
Among the many conversations I had this year, one stood out—an emotional moment with a close family member during a discussion about the strains in our relationship.
It was a sunny afternoon, and the argument was intense and about to reach boiling point when she pointed to the window and asked me to observe the curtain.
“You see this curtain?” she said. “It seems insignificant, doesn’t it? Like it’s just there because it has to be. But imagine if it were removed. That’s when you realize how important it really is to the room.”
I’m someone who doesn’t take words lightly. Beyond their surface meaning, I often search for deeper, soul-stirring insights.
The curtain serves two purposes. When drawn, it allows you to see outside and seek clues. But when closed, it shields you from external distractions—those unnecessary interferences, clues, we think we need but don’t. From the spiritual sense of her words, the curtain represents the ability to turn inward for answers and block out the noise that prevents us from truly understanding one another.
The curtain is a metaphor for perspective. It reminds us to look for the good in people, even during conflict. Everyone has their brighter side. And while the curtain might cast shadows in the room, its presence is purposeful—it shields us from an overwhelming brightness outside, too much light we think we need but we don’t.
Sam Oduor is the founder and one of the editors at WKT. With a strong background in Communication and Journalism, Sam is an experienced digital media expert currently building a team of young professionals dedicated to telling the story of our community in a unique, authentic way.
