September 2, 2026- Prove something to ourselves

The largest part of what we call “personality“ is determined by how we’ve opted to defend ourselves against anxiety and sadness.

~Alain de Botton

We are not destined to live a life without hardship. We will struggle. We will experience fear, sadness, anxiety, regret, and anger. We will spend time feeling less than, inadequate, undervalued, unappreciated, and unfulfilled. These moments when we aren't feeling great are often the moments that define our personality. These are some of the times our true selves reveal their authentic form.

The waves of stress that will inevitably visit us throughout our lives are not necessarily opportunities for us to prove ourselves to anyone else. It is not our job to cope with stress in ways that make others happy and comfortable. We may lean into our relationships in times of stress while others need to isolate. We may need to journal while others need to lift weights. We may need to sing while others need to get quiet. Resilience can take on many forms, and that’s OK.

When the waves of stress are piling up, what do you need to do to be your authentic self in that moment? What will allow the best of you to show up when the moment calls for it? How will you replenish and recover when the best of you is not very good? These are the times that define our personalities. These are the times we can prove something to ourselves. We are our choices.