"شجاعت به معنای داشتن قدرت برای ادامه دادن نیست، بلکه ادامه دادن زمانی است که قدرتی ندارید."

You know, courage is a funny thing. It's not just about bravado or sheer power. It's that moment when you're completely spent, physically and emotionally, yet you still find a way to keep moving forward. Think about a time when you were exhausted—maybe a long week at work, a personal setback, or even a strenuous exercise. You felt you had nothing left to give. But somehow, you did.

This idea really came to the fore during historical moments like wartime. Take Winston Churchill during World War II. London was in ruins from relentless bombing raids. The people were tired, scared, and demoralized. Churchill gave speeches that didn’t just praise their strength; he acknowledged their fatigue and fear. But he also inspired them to keep going—despite it. That’s true courage: persevering when every fiber of your being tells you to quit.

Imagine a marathon runner at the 20-mile mark. They've trained for months, but now, their legs feel like lead, blisters are burning their feet, and dehydration is setting in. Many people think it’s physical strength that gets them to the finish line. But really, it’s mental grit. They push through the wall of pain and fatigue because something deeper within propels them forward. They draw on reserves they didn’t know they had.

So how can you apply this in your own life? Start small. When you’re faced with a tough situation, instead of focusing on the entire challenge, just concentrate on the next step. It’s like climbing a mountain. Don’t look at the peak. Look at the next handhold. Break it down into manageable chunks. Also, remember why you started. Purpose fuels courage. If you know why you’re doing something, you’re more likely to push through when things get tough.

Let me tell you about my friend Sarah. She was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. The treatments were grueling, and there were days she couldn’t even get out of bed. But she had a young daughter, and the thought of being there for her kept Sarah going. She attended school plays and soccer games, even when she could barely stand. It wasn’t because she had endless strength. Quite the opposite. Her courage shone through precisely because she kept going when she had nothing left.

We’ve all been there, right? Maybe not battling an illness, but facing something that seems insurmountable. Remember that moment when you felt you couldn’t possibly finish that project, mend that relationship, or make it through another day of hardships? You did it anyway. That’s courage.

Next time you’re up against a wall, remind yourself that courage isn’t about having superhuman strength. It’s about taking another step when you feel you can’t. It’s about showing up, even when every part of you wants to hide. And hey, we’re all stronger than we think. Sometimes it just takes hitting rock bottom to realize we’ve got a hell of a lot more fight left in us.