In the darkest moments of our lives, we often look for something—anything—that can help us push through. For me, that "something" came in the form of wisdom from two towering figures of resilience: Winston Churchill and Viktor Frankl. Their words and experiences not only guided me through my most challenging times but also shaped the way I approach life today.
Churchill’s Enduring Wisdom: “When You’re Going Through Hell, Keep Going”
As I prepared for my liver transplant, a procedure that carried significant risks, I found myself reflecting on Churchill’s supposed saying, “When you’re going through hell, keep going.” These words became a mantra for me, a reminder that the only way out of suffering is to persist through it.
The days leading up to the transplant were filled with uncertainty, but rather than succumbing to anxiety, I kept Churchill’s words close. I focused on the idea that, no matter how difficult things became, I had to keep moving forward. This mindset helped me maintain a surprising level of calm and focus, both before and after the surgery. I knew that if I kept going, I would eventually emerge on the other side.
Visiting sites related to Churchill and the English people during that time—places that had withstood bombings and the threat of invasion—allowed me to stand in the shoes of those who had faced unimaginable challenges. It was a humbling experience, one that reinforced my belief in the power of resilience.
Viktor Frankl and the Search for Meaning
While Churchill’s words helped me during my transplant, Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, was instrumental in guiding me through both my divorce and my illness. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor who endured the horrors of Auschwitz, wrote about finding purpose even in the most harrowing circumstances. His idea that we can endure almost anything if we have a reason to do so became a beacon for me during those difficult years.
Frankl’s teachings helped me focus on what truly mattered in my life—my family, my health, and my desire to make a difference in the world. By concentrating on these core values, I was able to navigate the emotional turmoil of my divorce and the physical challenges of my illness with a sense of purpose and direction.
Standing in Auschwitz, where Frankl once walked, was a profoundly moving experience. It gave me a deeper understanding of the suffering he described, but also of the incredible strength it takes to find meaning in such despair. It made me appreciate the importance of holding on to our values and beliefs, even when the world around us seems to be falling apart.
Finding Strength in Their Footsteps
Visiting the places connected to Churchill and Frankl allowed me to connect more deeply with their experiences and the lessons they imparted. I didn’t just read their words; I walked where they walked, stood where they stood, and felt the weight of their histories. This tangible connection to their lives and legacies helped solidify their teachings in my mind and heart.
These experiences taught me that, no matter how dark the path ahead may seem, there is always a way forward. Churchill’s resilience and Frankl’s search for meaning showed me that we all have the capacity to endure—and even thrive—through life’s greatest challenges.
Carrying Their Wisdom Forward
Today, as I continue to navigate the complexities of life, I carry with me the wisdom of Churchill and Frankl. Their teachings have not only helped me survive my own personal battles but have also shaped the way I help others as a therapist. By sharing their stories and the lessons I’ve learned from them, I hope to inspire others to keep going, to find their own meaning, and to emerge stronger from whatever challenges they may face.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Remember, when you’re going through hell, keep going—and in the process, discover what truly matters to you.
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