“ Why suffer ? ” she said.

As if life was meant to be easy and pleasurable!

Doing a 50 km walk, giving birth, writing a 15-page dissertation... Things that are worth it are usually hard and painful. They demand putting extra effort and pushing yourself. They stretch you in every direction possible. They’re uncomfortable and draining. But further down the line, dare I say, more beautiful than ugly.

Not only because of the degree, the baby or the medal. But because they make you tap into the ressources you didn’t know you had, and rely not only on your body and mind, but on your soul. They make you a little more resilient, a little more confident. And they prepare you. For the struggles that might come your way, especially the ones you haven’t chosen.

So whatever the project, the end result is not that important. As long as you have given it your all. Either it’s a success or a failure, you’ll be rewarded with the joy and pride of having tried your best, of not having given up despite the tears and the mild panic attacks. Of having overcome your weaknesses and fears.

Of having survived ! What a relief.