"في نهاية اليوم يمكننا أن نتحمل أكثر مما نظن أننا نستطيع"

We often underestimate our own strength. We think we’ve reached our limit, but it turns out we’ve got more in the tank than we realize. It’s like when you’re running, and you hit that wall—you think you can’t possibly take another step, but then you do. You keep going. This quote captures that essence: we’re capable of enduring much more than we believe.

This idea rings true across various contexts and moments in history. Think about Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican painter. She lived with immense physical pain due to a bus accident in her youth, which left her with lifelong injuries. Despite her suffering, she produced some of the most emotionally powerful art the world has seen. Her life is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience.

Let's bring it down to a more everyday example. Imagine you’re juggling a demanding job, taking care of your family, and trying to find time for yourself. It feels like you’re being pulled in a million directions, and there’s no way you can manage it all. But then, a crisis hits—maybe a family member falls ill. Suddenly, you find yourself doing even more than you thought possible. You’re running on little sleep, but you’re there, showing up, taking care of everything. It's like some hidden reserve of strength kicks in.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing that those moments when you think you’ve hit your limit—they’re just that: moments. They pass. When you’re faced with a challenge, remind yourself that you’ve survived 100% of your worst days so far. Take a deep breath, break the problem down into smaller pieces, and tackle them one at a time. And don’t be afraid to lean on others for support—it doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.

Let me share a story to illustrate this. My friend Sarah always dreamed of running a marathon, but she doubted she could do it. She had a full-time job, kids, and was recovering from a knee injury. But she decided to sign up for a race a year away and started training. The early mornings were tough, especially during winter. She ran through rain, snow, and those days when her bed seemed like the better option. There were times she wanted to quit. But she didn’t. She kept pushing, bit by bit. On race day, she hit that infamous wall at mile 20. Her legs felt like lead, and every step was agony. But she remembered why she started. She thought about all those early mornings and pushed through. When she crossed that finish line, tears of joy and relief streamed down her face. She had endured more than she ever thought she could.

This quote isn’t just a feel-good statement—it’s a call to recognize your own strength. Next time you’re in the thick of it, when everything feels overwhelming, remember Sarah’s story. Remember Frida Kahlo. And most of all, remember that you’ve got more in you than you think. We all do. So keep going. You’re stronger than you know.