“ 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... It’s usually hard and painful. It demands putting extra effort and pushing yourself. It stretches you in every direction possible. It’s 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 it makes you tap into the ressources you didn’t know you had, and rely not only on your body and mind, but on your soul. It makes you a little more resilient, a little more confident. And it prepares 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 the best you could, of not having given up despite the tears and the mild panic attacks. Of having overcome your weaknesses and fears.

Of having survived !

Such a relief.