“Resilience Doesn’t Have to Be Shiny”

In Mexico, I walked past this old car—rust creeping over the hood, paint faded and chipped, yet still parked proudly on the street. It made me think about how resilience often looks less like perfection and more like persistence. Our bodies and minds are a lot like this car: they carry the marks of the years, the stress, the wear and tear. But with care, even small, consistent habits—a daily walk, an extra hour of sleep, swapping one processed snack for fresh fruit—can help us keep moving forward. Research shows that people who build steady, sustainable routines (instead of chasing drastic changes) are more likely to enjoy lasting health benefits, from improved heart health to better mood. Like that car, we don’t have to look shiny to keep going strong. Resilience Doesn’t Have to Be Shiny.