Introduction
Have you ever felt like you were walking a tightrope, desperately trying to maintain the illusion of effortless perfection? That you were balancing work, family, relationships, and personal well-being with the grace of a seasoned performer, even though underneath, you were crumbling? Many of us do. We live in a world that often celebrates achievement over authenticity, where vulnerability is perceived as a weakness rather than a source of power. This is where Glennon Doyle’s “We Can Do Hard Things” enters the conversation, a powerful invitation to dismantle those harmful narratives and embrace our true selves, imperfections and all.
Glennon Doyle, a bestselling author and activist known for her raw honesty and unwavering commitment to truth, has long encouraged readers to question societal norms and embrace their authentic selves. From her previous works, including the groundbreaking “Untamed,” to her popular podcast, Doyle has consistently championed the power of vulnerability and connection. Now, in “We Can Do Hard Things,” she delves even deeper, offering a roadmap for navigating life’s inevitable challenges with courage, compassion, and unwavering self-belief. This book is not just a self-help guide; it’s a lifeline, a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that we are capable of far more than we ever imagined. This article aims to explore the key themes in “We Can Do Hard Things,” analyzing its impact and offering practical takeaways, that we can all use to live a more fulfilled life.
The Foundation: Building on Previous Work and a Thriving Podcast
To truly understand the power of “We Can Do Hard Things,” it’s essential to recognize its roots in Glennon Doyle’s previous work. “Untamed” served as a catalyst for many, encouraging women to break free from societal expectations and embrace their wild, untamed spirits. This book paved the way for a deeper exploration of vulnerability and connection, themes that are central to “We Can Do Hard Things.”
Furthermore, the book is intrinsically linked to the wildly successful “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast, co-hosted by Doyle, her wife Abby Wambach, and her sister Amanda Doyle. The podcast provides a platform for honest and often humorous conversations about the messy realities of life. The podcast provides a safe space for discussions about addiction, mental health, relationships, parenting, and a myriad of other topics. The podcast’s raw honesty and relatable content have resonated with millions, creating a supportive community that extends beyond the airwaves and into the pages of the book. The book enhances many of the conversations that the podcast creates and furthers the conversation.
Resonating in a World Craving Authenticity
The timing of “We Can Do Hard Things” is particularly significant. Released amidst the complexities and uncertainties of the modern world, the book offers a timely antidote to the pervasive sense of isolation and overwhelm that many people experience. After years of living through a global pandemic, economic instability, and political polarization, there is a collective yearning for authenticity, connection, and a sense of purpose. “We Can Do Hard Things” taps into this desire, offering a message of hope and resilience in a world that often feels overwhelming. It also taps into the zeitgeist of the current culture.
Vulnerability: A Pathway to Strength and Connection
One of the most powerful themes explored in “We Can Do Hard Things” is the transformative power of vulnerability. Doyle challenges the conventional notion that vulnerability is a weakness, arguing instead that it is the foundation of genuine connection and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from the work of Brené Brown, Doyle emphasizes that embracing our imperfections and sharing our struggles is not a sign of weakness but a courageous act of self-acceptance.
The book encourages readers to reject the pressure to present a flawless facade and instead embrace their authentic selves, flaws and all. By sharing our vulnerabilities, we create space for others to do the same, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. When we allow ourselves to be seen and heard, we open the door to deeper connections and more meaningful relationships. A perfect example of this is Doyle’s candor in sharing her past struggles with addiction and eating disorders.
Dismantling the Myth of Effortless Perfection
Another key theme in “We Can Do Hard Things” is the deconstruction of the myth of “having it all together.” Doyle argues that the relentless pursuit of perfection is not only unattainable but also deeply damaging. She challenges readers to question the societal pressures that demand constant achievement and self-improvement, emphasizing that true happiness lies not in achieving an impossible ideal but in accepting ourselves as we are.
The book encourages readers to release the burden of perfectionism and embrace the messiness of life. By acknowledging our imperfections and vulnerabilities, we free ourselves from the constant pressure to perform and create space for genuine self-compassion. This message is particularly relevant in a society that often prioritizes external validation over internal well-being.
Navigating Pain: Acknowledging and Processing Our Struggles
“We Can Do Hard Things” also addresses the inevitable presence of pain and suffering in life. Doyle encourages readers to acknowledge and process their pain rather than suppress or avoid it. She argues that true healing requires us to confront our struggles head-on, allowing ourselves to feel the full range of emotions without judgment. This often means “feeling it to heal it.”
The book offers practical tools and strategies for navigating difficult emotions, such as journaling, meditation, and seeking support from trusted friends and family. By learning to sit with our pain and process our experiences, we can develop greater resilience and a deeper understanding of ourselves. In addition, it highlights the importance of getting help from trained professionals to work through the hardest problems.
Sisterhood and Support: The Power of Authentic Relationships
The importance of female friendships and supportive relationships is another central theme in “We Can Do Hard Things.” Doyle emphasizes the power of finding your “pod” or community, a group of people who understand and accept you for who you are. These relationships provide a safe space to share your struggles, celebrate your triumphs, and receive unconditional support.
The book encourages readers to cultivate authentic relationships based on honesty, vulnerability, and mutual respect. These connections can be a lifeline during challenging times, providing a sense of belonging and reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Addiction and Recovery: A Message of Hope
Drawing on her own experiences with addiction, Doyle offers a message of hope and resilience for those struggling with similar challenges. She emphasizes that recovery is possible, and that it’s never too late to seek help and find a path toward healing. It’s more than just substance abuse that people need to recover from. It can be from bad relationships and other things that are damaging.
The book provides practical advice and resources for those seeking recovery, encouraging them to prioritize self-care, build a strong support system, and commit to a lifelong journey of growth and healing.
Body Image and Self-Worth: Embracing Our Physical Selves
In a society that often bombards us with unrealistic images of beauty, “We Can Do Hard Things” challenges readers to reframe their relationship with their bodies. Doyle encourages us to reject the notion that our worth is determined by our physical appearance and instead embrace our bodies as they are.
The book provides tools and strategies for cultivating body positivity and self-acceptance, encouraging us to focus on our inner strengths and qualities rather than obsessing over our perceived flaws. It also challenges the harmful messages that the media and society often perpetuate about beauty and body image.
Parenting: Teaching Our Children to Embrace Hard Things
“We Can Do Hard Things” also offers valuable insights for parents, encouraging them to teach their children the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and the ability to navigate challenges. Doyle emphasizes the importance of modeling vulnerability and authenticity for our children, allowing them to see that it’s okay to make mistakes, ask for help, and feel difficult emotions.
The book encourages parents to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing their feelings and sharing their struggles. By teaching our children to embrace hard things, we equip them with the skills and confidence they need to navigate the complexities of life.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
“We Can Do Hard Things” is a powerful and insightful book that offers a much-needed message of hope and resilience. Doyle’s raw honesty and relatable storytelling make the book accessible and engaging, while its practical advice and actionable strategies empower readers to make positive changes in their lives.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. Doyle’s willingness to share her own struggles and vulnerabilities creates a sense of empathy and understanding, making readers feel seen and heard. The book’s emphasis on vulnerability, connection, and self-compassion resonates with many who are seeking a more authentic and fulfilling life.
However, some critics may argue that the book’s message is overly simplistic or that it relies too heavily on personal anecdotes. Others may find that Doyle’s style of writing is too emotional or that the book lacks a more nuanced analysis of complex social issues. It is also possible that some readers may find the book’s emphasis on self-help overwhelming or triggering.
Practical Application: Taking Action in Your Own Life
“We Can Do Hard Things” offers a wealth of practical tools and strategies that can be applied to our daily lives. Here are a few actionable steps you can take to start embracing the book’s message:
- Practice Vulnerability: Share your feelings and struggles with trusted friends and family. Be honest about your imperfections and allow yourself to be seen and heard.
- Embrace Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them without judgment.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate the good things in your life. Focus on the positive aspects of your experiences and relationships.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy or compromise your values. Prioritize self-care and protect your time and energy.
- Seek Support: Connect with others who share your values and goals. Build a strong support system of friends, family, or mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement.
Conclusion
“We Can Do Hard Things” is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we are capable of far more than we ever imagined. By embracing vulnerability, connecting with others, and cultivating self-compassion, we can navigate life’s challenges with courage, resilience, and unwavering self-belief. Glennon Doyle’s work and podcast and book have helped so many people to achieve a better, more honest life.
This book is an invitation to dismantle the harmful narratives that keep us trapped in cycles of perfectionism, self-doubt, and isolation. It is a call to action to embrace our authentic selves, flaws and all, and to create a world where vulnerability is celebrated as a source of strength and connection. Embrace your vulnerability, connect with others, and remember that you *can* do hard things.
