"لا أستطيع الاستمرار. سأستمر."

The quote "I can't go on. I'll go on." captures a raw human moment where despair and resilience collide. It's about hitting a wall where you feel you can't continue, yet summoning the willpower to push forward anyway.

This line comes from Samuel Beckett's novel "The Unnamable," a part of his trilogy of novels. Beckett wrote this in the aftermath of World War II, a time when existential angst and the absurdity of human life were prominent themes in literature. The quote reflects the sheer determination to continue despite overwhelming odds—a sentiment that resonates deeply with many, whether they’ve read Beckett or not.

Imagine you're training for a marathon. You've hit mile 18, and your body is screaming at you to stop. Your legs feel like lead, every breath is a struggle, and you start to doubt if you can finish. This is the exact moment Beckett's words speak to. In your head, you're saying, "I can't go on." But then something shifts. Maybe it's the crowd cheering, or the thought of your own kids at the finish line. And you decide, "I'll go on." You push through the pain and find yourself crossing that finish line. That’s the essence of Beckett’s quote—a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure.

To apply this wisdom in daily life, think of those moments when you’re up against it. Maybe it’s a tough project at work, a personal loss, or just a particularly bad day. Instead of giving in to the feeling of "I can't," let it be a cue. Recognize it, and then make the conscious decision to go on. Break things down into smaller tasks if you need to. Focus on the next step, not the entire journey. And remember, it’s okay to acknowledge the struggle. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

Let’s dive into a story. Picture a young woman, Lisa, who’s juggling a demanding job and night classes for her degree. She’s exhausted. It's a Wednesday, and she’s spent. Her boss just handed her a critical project that’s due by the end of the week. She thinks, “I can’t go on.” But then she remembers why she started this journey in the first place—the dream of moving up in her career, the passion for learning. She decides, “I’ll go on.” Lisa takes a deep breath and sets a plan. She tackles one piece of the project at a time, squeezes in study sessions during her lunch break, and leans on a friend for a pep talk when she’s down. By Friday, she’s not just finished the project; she’s aced her test.

In moments like these, the wisdom of Beckett’s words become clear. Life’s hurdles can seem insurmountable. But the ability to push through, even when you think you can’t, is a powerful force. So next time you’re at a breaking point, catch yourself. Feel the weight of “I can’t go on,” and then, with determination, quietly say, “I’ll go on.” It’s a mantra for resilience, a nod to our unyielding spirit. And sometimes, that’s all we need.