Part 1. Resilience Isn’t Always Loud

A series about starting over gently, honestly, and without apology

We often celebrate resilience like it’s a firework; an explosive, dazzling, impossible to ignore.

However, the truth is, some of the strongest acts of courage are quiet. There’s no applause. No audience. It’s just you, the weight of everything you’re carrying, and the choice to try again anyway.

Experience is a great teacher, and I’ve learned that starting over doesn’t always mean rebuilding something big. Sometimes, it’s simply getting out of bed when your dreams feel too heavy. Sometimes it’s opening your laptop, staring at that unfinished script or plan, and typing a single line, even when it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.

Those moments seem insignificant, but the truth is, they count! They count more than we give them credit for because those are pointers to the fact that something in us has refused to give up.

There’s Power in Small, Uncelebrated Victories

Some actions seem little, but within them is power, a powerful flame. Below are a few of those actions.

• Answering an email you’ve avoided for weeks.
• Making that call you’ve been afraid to make.
• Editing a minute of footage even when inspiration feels miles away.
• Adding a few lines to an ongoing book even when you lack the drive to do so.
• Smiling at someone when all you want is to disappear.
• Walking into your space when all you want to do is run away from it.

All these and more aren’t things people see, they don’t make a highlight reel. However, they’re proof that something inside you, something persevering, hopeful, and beautifully human refuses to give up. That alone is power, a flame that needs to be fanned.

Going through these periods has a way of birthing a different kind of power: the strength and courage you need to plod through future paths.

Part 2 of THE ART OF QUIET COMEBACKS is quietly on its way.

Come back for every installment.
Come back to remember you’re not alone.
Come back, not to catch up, but to catch your breath.

Still becoming,

JS Havilah