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"Ganbatte: The Japanese Art of Always Moving Forward" by Albert Liebermann:
- Keep Moving Forward (Ganbatte!)
At the core of Japanese resilience is the concept of ganbatte, which means to “do your best” or “never give up.” It's a mindset of perseverance through life’s ups and downs.
- Progress Over Perfection
Consistent, small efforts are more valuable than chasing perfection. It’s about building momentum and gradually improving.
- Resilience Is a Skill
Like any skill, resilience can be developed over time with patience, discipline, and a positive mindset.
- Embrace Impermanence (Wabi-Sabi)
Life is fleeting and imperfect—embracing this idea can help reduce anxiety and make you more adaptable to change.
- Lean Into Community
Support from others and a sense of belonging are key to enduring tough times. Collective effort is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
- Master the Mundane
Doing simple things well, with care and attention, builds discipline and inner peace. Daily rituals matter.
- Accept and Adapt (Shikata ga nai)
This phrase means “it cannot be helped.” It teaches acceptance of what you can’t control, and focusing energy on what you can change.
- Purpose Fuels Endurance
Having a clear reason to keep going—whether for family, a dream, or a value—can provide strength during hardship.
- Emotions Are Not Enemies
Acknowledging and managing your feelings is part of staying strong. Suppressing them leads to burnout.
- Find Beauty in the Struggle
Every challenge contains growth. Seeing hardship as a meaningful part of life makes it easier to endure.
Yep - it might look 'perfect' from the 'outside' ...... but who knows what is going on 'underneath' ....
- @cranky_granny I have read this numerous times over the past few years and it still speaks to me.
- If the mountain seems too big todaythen climb a hill instead;If morning brings you sadnessit’s okay to stay in bed.If the day ahead feels heavy and your plans feel like a curse,There’s no shame in rearranging,don’t make yourself feel worse.If a shower stings like needlesand a bath feels like you’ll drown;If you haven’t washed your hair for days,don’t throw away your crown!A day is not a lifetime.A rest is not defeat.Don’t think of it as failure,Just a quiet, kind retreat.It’s okay to take a momentFrom an anxious, fractured mind.The world will not stop turningWhile you get realigned!The mountain will still be thereWhen you want to try againYou can climb it in your own time,Just love yourself till then.- Laura Ding-Edwards
- EVERY day should be 'Women's Day' ..... not just one day a year ... International Women's Day!
- @cranky_granny, like this one, just found this thread today. When I have the time I will go through the 47 pages and read some🤣
