What does it truly mean to possess the Courage to Challenge Life?

For those who carry a history of trauma, this concept can take on many forms. Sometimes, courage looks as simple—and as monumental—as getting out of bed in the morning, even when that one action feels impossible. Maybe you rise because you feel you’re supposed to… only to realize you don’t see anything meaningful waiting for you in the day ahead. Or at least, that’s how it feels.

Let’s imagine you do get up. You shower, get dressed, drive to work, and go through the motions. But then what? Work may feel like a performance—your forced smile masking feelings of misery, invisibility, or worthlessness. You come home, muster the strength to make dinner and tackle a few responsibilities, then collapse into bed (if sleep even comes). And the next day, it all begins again—a relentless cycle. Or maybe you skip the responsibilities altogether, sinking into the couch and waiting for a show to dull the day’s pain.

Is that too harsh for a blog? Too bleak? I don’t think so. For some, this is exactly what life feels like. Others may say they don’t watch TV or eat—they simply stumble home and fall into bed. Still others go home to families, carrying on the routine of pretending to exist, all while battling the quiet war of surviving life.

For many of us, simply staying awake feels like climbing a mountain. We fake joy, paste on smiles, and play the role of who we think we’re supposed to be. Do you ever question which version of yourself is the real one—the person tucked away inside, or the one you show the world? Sometimes it’s hard to tell.

Why do we live this dual life? Partly because we assume no one wants to know what’s really happening inside us. Who wants to hear that we’re having a terrible day? And if someone does ask—and we actually said, “Thanks for asking. I hate my life right now, and all I want to do is hide in the bathroom and cry”—can you imagine saying that to a coworker? Did the thought alone raise your heart rate?

And if you did say it… then what? Would they think you’re “crazy” or that you need help? Well—yes. Many of us do need help. That doesn’t make us crazy, even if it sometimes feels that way. But instead, most of us choose the safer, less vulnerable response: “I’m fine. How are you?” It’s quick. It shields us. It keeps our emotions contained.

Sometimes we don’t even know what we feel, or we’re afraid of what we might discover if we say it out loud. What would spill out? What truths would surface?

Being vulnerable comes with risk. It can make us feel exposed, weak, or fragile. Who wants to wear a metaphorical sign that says, “Be gentle with me—I’m breaking”? Not me. Probably not you either. And yet… we all long to be cared for.

Imagine someone noticing your pain and writing you a simple note: “Hey, you seem to be having a rough day. I’m here if you want to talk. You’re awesome. For me, that would feel both amazing and terrifying. Amazing because someone cared. Terrifying because it would mean my inner world had slipped out for others to see. But maybe—deep down—I’d want to collapse into their arms and let myself be real for a moment. How would that feel for you?

My first blog post may not paint a picture-perfect world. Inspirational blogs often focus on the positive, offering hope and motivation. I’m here to do that too—to inspire you and help you through hard days. I believe in hope. I believe in your potential. I believe you can live a fuller, more empowered life.

But I’m also tired of spaces that only share the “sunshine” and ignore the storms. Those cheerful, feel-good posts have their place, absolutely. But they don’t always acknowledge the messy, raw parts of being human. What many of us truly need is someone who first says, “I see your struggle,” and then gently asks, “Now, how can we get you through it?”

If motivational memes and rose-colored messages carry you through the day, that’s wonderful—genuinely. But for others, it’s not so simple.

My blog won’t dwell only on darkness, but it also won’t pretend life is always bright. I’m committed to being honest—with myself and with you. I hope to help you discover the small victories and joys that whisper, “Today, I found the courage to challenge life—and I made it.”

Why? Because you are courageous. You are capable. And you’ve been challenging life every single day, whether you realize it or not.

If you’ve survived even one day, that is courage. If you’ve survived twenty years, that is twenty years of strength. Both are real. Both are remarkable. Both come from the resilience already inside you.

So keep showing up. Keep being brave in the quiet ways. And challenge life with me, one day at a time. I’m right here with you, doing the same.

Wishing you blessings—and a day filled with even a moment of beauty.