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Soon enough it will be me struggling (valiantly?) to walk…

“Soon enough it will be me struggling (valiantly?) to walk - lugging my stuff around. How are we all so brave as to take step after step? Day after day? How are we so optimistic, so careful not to trip and yet do trip, and then get up and say O.K. Why do I feel so sorry for everyone and so proud?” quote by Maira Kalman
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“Soon enough it will be me struggling (valiantly?) to walk - lugging my stuff around. How are we all so brave as to take step after step? Day after day? How are we so optimistic, so careful not to trip and yet do trip, and then get up and say O.K. Why do I feel so sorry for everyone and so proud?”

Maira Kalman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human resilience involves continual effort despite fatigue, balancing optimism with vulnerability, and feeling empathy and pride simultaneously.

In simple terms: We keep trying despite hardship, feeling both empathy and pride.

Key Takeaway

Embrace perseverance and self‑compassion.

Themes

resilience optimism empathy pride

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • daily work
  • personal challenges
  • caregiving
  • learning new skills

Key Concepts

human condition psychology motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you sustain optimism during repeated setbacks?
  • What supports help you feel pride without self‑criticism?
A Different Perspective

Optimism can mask underlying burnout if not managed.

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