"抵抗するゆえに、私は存在する"

Resistance is what keeps us alive and kicking. It’s about standing up to challenges, whether those come from outside or within. The idea is that by resisting, we assert our existence—we show that we won't just let life happen to us. Instead, we take an active role in shaping our journey. It’s like saying, "I fight, therefore I am."

This phrase might remind you of the philosophical ponderings of existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. These thinkers delved deeply into what it means to be human. They mused over our struggles and how our responses to life's inevitable hardships define us. When Camus talks about the “absurd,” he’s pointing out that life doesn’t always make sense and it's often downright unfair. But by resisting that absurdity, we carve out our own meaning and identity. It's like planting your flag on a hill, declaring, "Here I am, and I'm not going quietly."

Imagine a young entrepreneur, let's call her Sarah. She starts a small tech company in her garage (classic, right?). At first, nobody believes in her vision. Investors slam doors in her face. There are sleepless nights, failed prototypes, and moments of sheer doubt. Yet, every setback she faces adds to her resolve. She tweaks her designs, learns from her failures, and keeps pitching her ideas. Years later, when her company finally takes off and changes the industry, Sarah’s story isn't just about success—it's about the resistance that defined her path. Every "no" she pushed back against and every problem she solved told the world, "I’m here, and I’m not giving up."

So, how do you apply this idea in your own life? Start by recognizing that resistance is part of the process, not a sign to quit. When you hit a wall—whether it's a tough project at work, a personal goal that seems out of reach, or a relationship struggle—don't see it as an end. See it as a moment to assert yourself. Ask yourself what you can learn from the challenge. How can you adapt and keep going? It's about being stubborn in the best way possible.

Think about a time when you faced a major challenge. Maybe you were trying to get through college while working a full-time job. Or perhaps you had to move to a new city where you didn’t know anyone and start from scratch. Remember how each day felt like an uphill battle? Yet, by pushing through these tough spots, you didn't just survive—you grew. You proved to yourself and the world that you’re more than your circumstances.

Take a friend of mine, James. He’s a marathon runner. Now, running 26.2 miles isn’t a walk in the park. It’s brutal on your body and mind. But James says it's the resistance—those moments when his legs are screaming, and his mind tells him to stop—that make him feel truly alive. When he pushes past that, he feels a profound sense of existence. It's like he's shouting into the universe, "I’m here, and nothing can break me."

So next time you're up against it, remember: resistance isn't futile. It's fundamental. Embrace the struggle and let it be the proof that you exist—fully, powerfully, and undeniably.