Let me tell you something, kid. Life isn’t about how high you climb when the sun’s shining and everything’s going your way. Anyone can feel strong then. What really matters is how high you bounce when you hit bottom. General George S. Patton said that, and he wasn’t wrong.

You see, a person doesn’t truly know what they’re made of until life knocks the wind out of them a bit. And trust me, everyone gets knocked down sooner or later. If you haven’t hit a hard patch yet, well, just keep living. It’s coming. And that’s not a threat—it’s an invitation. Because those moments, the ones that feel like the world is cracking beneath your feet, those are the moments that reveal your strength.

People talk a lot these days about affirmations and positive thinking. Nothing wrong with that. But listen here—words alone won’t build you a foundation. If fear, doubt, and worry are still running the show, you’re standing on sand. A good wind blows through, and down you go again. You’ve got to dig deeper than that. You’ve got to face what’s eating at you on the inside.

There’s something special, almost sacred, about going through a drought in your life. You don’t feel it at the time, of course. You’re too busy wondering why everything you touch turns sour. Or why people pull away when you need them most. Or what in the world your purpose is supposed to be. But that’s the thing—those questions only show up when you’re ready to grow into someone stronger.

And when life puts you on your knees, don’t be too proud to look up and ask for help. Nobody becomes who they’re meant to be alone. Not me. Not you. Not anyone.

So, when you hit bottom—and you will—remember this old man’s advice. Don’t stay down. Don’t give up. Don’t call it the end. That moment is your beginning. It’s where the real “you” starts to take shape.

Choose to bounce, kid. Higher than anyone ever expected. Higher than even you thought you could. That’s where your character is found. That’s where your strength is built. That’s where your life changes.

And when you get back up—and you will—you’ll know exactly who you are. And no one will be able to take that away from you.