"Ainsi nous avançons, barques contre le courant, refoulées sans cesse vers le passé"

Life is a constant struggle. That's the essence of this quote. We're all like boats, trying to move forward against the pull of the current. No matter how much we push ahead, there's this unyielding force dragging us backwards. It's like trying to run in a dream where your legs just won’t cooperate. We aim for the future, but our past has this sneaky way of creeping in.

This line comes from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Written in the 1920s, an era marked by the Jazz Age and the aftermath of World War I, the book delves deep into the American Dream and its pitfalls. Fitzgerald himself was grappling with the excesses and disillusionment of the time. It's no wonder he felt the weight of history pulling him back, even as he tried to capture the thrill of the moment.

Imagine a swimmer in a river, striving to reach the other side. The current is strong, sometimes pushing the swimmer back or off course. They might make progress, but it's slow and exhausting. That's what life often feels like. We have goals and dreams, yet old habits, regrets, and memories can hinder our progress. Picture a person who decides to kick a bad habit—say, smoking. They’re determined, they're making strides, but then stress hits, and the pull of that old habit tugs them back. It's a struggle familiar to anyone who's ever tried to change something fundamental about themselves.

So how do we use this piece of wisdom in our lives? First, recognize that the past is a part of us. It's not something to be entirely escaped but understood. When you feel that backward pull, identify it. Is it nostalgia? Regret? Understanding the nature of that current can help you navigate it better. Next, set small, achievable goals. Don’t aim to overhaul your entire life in one go. Tackle one thing at a time. It’s less overwhelming and you're more likely to stick with it. Lastly, be kind to yourself. When you feel that drag, know it’s a part of the process. Everyone faces it.

Let’s think about Lisa for a moment. She’s a young professional, ambitious and eager to climb the career ladder. But she grew up in a small town where dreams like hers were rare. Her family never pushed for higher education, and now, every time Lisa faces a setback at work, she hears those old voices—"You’re aiming too high," "People like us don't get those jobs." It's frustrating. It’s like she's constantly trying to prove them wrong. Lisa's journey isn’t just about her career. It's about overcoming that internal current pulling her back. She starts seeing a mentor who helps her set smaller, manageable goals. They remind her that every little success builds momentum. Slowly, the voices from her past start to fade, replaced by her own.

The key takeaway? Moving forward isn’t a clear, straight path. It’s messy, with currents and undercurrents. Embrace the struggle — it's part of what makes your journey uniquely yours. And remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all boats on this river, fighting our own currents.