Resilience Beyond Bravery: Enduring Life’s Everyday Struggles
Created at: May 6, 2025
You don’t have to be brave every day. Some days you just have to keep going. — Angie Thomas
Redefining Courage in Daily Life
Angie Thomas’s words invite us to see bravery not as a constant, heroic posture but as a quality that comes and goes. Rather than holding ourselves to the unrealistic standard of unwavering courage, she encourages us to accept that simply pressing forward is sometimes enough. This perspective shifts the narrative from grand acts of heroism to the quiet endurance required in daily living.
The Power of Perseverance
This idea flows naturally into the recognition that perseverance is a vital, yet often overlooked, form of courage. Viktor Frankl, in his memoir 'Man’s Search for Meaning' (1946), described how survival during adversity sometimes depended not on bold acts, but on simply enduring the next moment. In this light, persistence—just ‘keeping going’—is itself a commendable achievement.
Challenging the Myth of Constant Strength
Building on these reflections, Thomas’s quote also challenges the societal myth that strength and resilience must be outwardly visible at all times. Many people feel pressured to appear unfazed, yet acknowledging vulnerability can be both honest and transformative. Brené Brown's research into vulnerability (2012) highlights the strength found in admitting struggles and honoring one’s emotional limits.
Finding Meaning in Small Victories
As we continue, it becomes clear that meaning is often found in small victories rather than dramatic triumphs. Completing routine tasks or simply getting out of bed during tough times can be deeply significant. Everyday acts of endurance, though less celebrated, are foundational to personal growth—a sentiment echoed in Maya Angelou’s assertion that ‘every day brings a chance to start over.’
Normalizing Rest and Self-Compassion
Ultimately, Thomas’s message allows for self-compassion by normalizing periods of rest and reduced momentum. Life requires us to pace ourselves, recognizing that not every day needs to be defined by extraordinary courage. By accepting the value of ‘just keeping going,’ we cultivate resilience and self-acceptance, ensuring we are ready for the moments when true bravery is needed again.