I had to build a new self, not because the old one failed, but because I helped burn it down.
What was crafted with blood, sweat, and years of stubborn hope did not collapse by accident. It fell with my active participation, not out of betrayal, but out of necessity. And I bear that weight without blame toward those who came from the outside world. They never hid their agenda. They played their role with ruthless clarity. The fault was mine only in the way I once mistook their strategy for solidarity.
But time has turned.Memories have softened at the edges.Enemies, once towering, now limp with exhaustion or irrelevance. And I? I stand stronger, on multiple fronts.
First, in spirit, no longer desperate for validation, no longer flinching at silence.
Second, in mind, sharpened by exile, refined by betrayal, tempered by the long walk back to myself.My greatest power now is not what I say or do,but what I choose not to.I observe before I react. I listen before I answer. I wait before I move.
This is not passivity. It is strategic stillness,the quiet discipline of a mind that has learned. Not every fire needs your hand to burn, not every battle is yours to fight , not every soul is worth your time. In the past, I mistook reaction for strength. I thought what I saw was real. Now I know, true sovereignty lives in the space between stimulus and response.
That space is where clarity is born. Where strategy is forged. Where the observer becomes the architect. They thought destruction would erase me. Instead, it gave me eyes. And with these eyes, I no longer fight ghosts. I build sanctuaries for me and those others who look for a path and guidance. You are not alone and never late. Rebuild your soul from the ashes if it has to. History and times await your victory.
Dhanuka
Read one Sovereign Minds piece each morning. Not to escape the chaos—but to enter it with your soul intact.
Resilience, Self-Sovereignty, Personal Growth, Betrayal, Strategic Stillness, Observer, Rebuilding, Sovereign Minds, Dhanuka Dickwella, Personal Philosophy
Dhanuka Dickwella is a distinguished Sri Lankan poet, author, and multifaceted professional whose work spans literature, geopolitics, and social activism. Holding a Master’s degree in International Relations, he has established himself as an expert in geopolitics and geoeconomics, fields that inform his analytical and creative endeavours.
His professional portfolio includes significant editorial and journalistic roles: he serves as the Executive Editor of The Asian Reviews magazine, a platform dedicated to bridging the literary worlds of East and West. Additionally, he contributes as a guest writer for the Chicago-based Armenian Mirror-Spectator, focusing on geopolitical issues in the Caucasus region, and as a columnist and guest speaker for Force, an Indian magazine addressing security and defense matters. Dickwella’s career in public service is equally notable. Dhanuka Dickwella is the Chief Coordinator for Canada for the Panorama International Literature Festival 2026. He has been actively involved in Sri Lankan politics, having served as a grassroots politician, political campaign director, and council member of a local government body in a rural Sri Lankan town. Prior to his political engagements, he founded and led a foundation dedicated to empowering youth and supporting underprivileged communities, reflecting his commitment to social equity. Currently, he advises youth groups on political activism and broader political trends, leveraging his extensive experience to foster the next generation of civic leaders. Beyond his analytical and political pursuits, Dickwella is a celebrated poet and blogger whose literary work explores the complexities of human emotion and experience. His debut poetry collection, Voices of Lust, Love and Other Things, showcases his ability to weave personal narrative with universal themes. An ardent climate and social activist, he champions sustainable development and social justice, driven by a vision of a better world for future generations. A proud Sri Lankan patriot, Dickwella is also a devoted father to his daughter, whose influence is a cornerstone of his personal and creative life. Dhanuka Dickwella’s diverse achievements reflect a rare synthesis of intellectual rigor, artistic expression, and civic dedication, positioning him as a prominent voice in both Sri Lankan and global contexts.
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