Smart Quote January 20, 2025

“Every struggle in your life has shaped you into the person you are today. Be thankful for the hard times, they can only make you stronger.” Keanu Reeves

I came across this quote from Keanu Reeves last week. I’ve never met the man, and yet he’s right up there as one of my favorite people. Maybe because he comes across as real. Humble. Generous. Obviously intelligent. And not so wrapped up in himself that he misses what’s going on with others. He is a good role model for the rest of us.

Every single person I know or have spoken with, can relate to this quote. My early life sucked in far too many ways, but those trials and tribulations became the cornerstones of who I am now. When we are hurt, we become sensitive to others who suffer pain. When we have to battle to rise above those hurts, we learn how to help others–even if it’s only to share that we understand what they’re dealing with. Sometimes knowing we aren’t alone in our struggle is enough to give us the strength to continue on.

When we go through a difficult stretch or situation it’s pretty much impossible to see through to the other side, especially if that situation drags on for a long time. And when we finally do make it through we’re usually so bruised and battered that we can’t see any good that came from it.

We are the sum total of everything we experience. The good, the bad. The beautiful, the ugly. The things we do and the things done to us. We have free will. We choose how we deal with every moment of our lives.

I’m here to tell you that the fact that you took the blows to your heart, to your confidence, and in some cases to your physical body, and still struggled to survive, to understand, to find a way through–that’s a huge win my friend. It may take years to deal with the damage, and in many cases it will never completely go away, but you are still standing.

Listen to Keanu. “Be thankful for the hard times, they can only make you stronger.” 

You've got this. You aren't alone in your struggles.