"من يفقد الثروة يفقد الكثير؛ من يفقد صديقًا يفقد أكثر؛ لكن من يفقد الشجاعة يفقد كل شيء."

Losing money can feel like a big hit—there's no denying it. But, think about it: wealth comes and goes. What happens when you lose a friend? That’s a deeper wound. Friends are the people who stand by your side through thick and thin. However, the most critical loss of all is losing your courage. Without courage, you're paralyzed, unable to face challenges or take risks. Courage is the foundation upon which we build our lives and tackle our dreams.

This sentiment has roots stretching back through history. Imagine the context of a soldier or explorer in ancient times. They might lose their fortunes or their comrades, but the moment they lost their courage, it was game over. Courage was what kept them moving forward, facing unknown dangers with a brave face. It’s not just about historical figures, though—it’s relevant to our everyday lives too.

Take, for example, the story of J.K. Rowling. Before she became a household name with the Harry Potter series, she was a struggling single mother, living on welfare, and facing rejection after rejection from publishers. Imagine if she had lost her courage and given up after the first dozen rejections. The world would have missed out on one of the most beloved stories ever. Her courage to keep going despite the odds was the key to her eventual success.

How can we apply this to our own lives? First off, recognize that setbacks are just part of the journey. Lost some money in an investment? Bummer, but it’s not the end. Had a falling out with a friend? That sucks, but you can heal and move forward. The critical thing is to hold onto your courage. When challenges come your way, face them head-on. Take a deep breath, remind yourself of your strengths, and keep pushing forward.

Now, let’s picture a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend, venting about how everything seems to be going wrong. Your startup isn’t taking off, you had a fight with your best friend, and you’re feeling pretty down. Your friend listens patiently, and then says, “Hey, remember that quote about losing wealth, friends, and courage? You’ve still got your courage. You’re still showing up and trying, and that’s what matters most.”

In that moment, you realize they’re right. You haven’t given up. Maybe you’ve faced some tough breaks, but you’re still in the game. You chat more about how to rebuild—maybe take a break and then come back with fresh eyes, or find new ways to reconnect with your friend. You leave the coffee shop with a renewed sense of determination. You’ve got this.

So, remember, losing wealth or friends can be tough. But never lose your courage. It’s the spark that keeps you moving forward, dreaming big, and overcoming obstacles. And when you hold on to that, you can face anything life throws your way.