Introduction
How often do we catch ourselves whispering, or sometimes shouting, “I just can’t”? In a world that relentlessly bombards us with images of perfection, curated happiness, and effortless success, it’s easy to feel inadequate, overwhelmed, and simply…stuck. We’re told to lean in, hustle harder, and achieve more, all while maintaining a flawlessly serene exterior. Is it any wonder so many of us feel like we’re constantly drowning, desperately trying to keep our heads above water?
Enter Glennon Doyle, a name synonymous with authenticity, vulnerability, and a refreshingly honest perspective on life’s messy realities. Following her previous successes, including *Untamed*, Doyle returns with *We Can Do Hard Things*, a book that acts as a beacon of hope and a battle cry for embracing our imperfections, seeking connection, and challenging the societal expectations that often hold us captive. *We Can Do Hard Things* isn’t just a catchy title; it’s a profound invitation to tap into the inherent strength we all possess, the strength to navigate the inevitable challenges life throws our way. It’s about rejecting the myth of perfection and embracing the messy, imperfect, and ultimately beautiful reality of being human.
In this article, we’ll delve into the core concepts of *We Can Do Hard Things*, exploring the profound impact of vulnerability, the power of connection, and the importance of questioning the narratives we’ve been conditioned to accept. We’ll examine the key themes Doyle tackles, from addiction and mental health to relationships and parenting, and analyze the book’s overall reception. Ultimately, we’ll discover how *We Can Do Hard Things* offers a powerful framework for building a more authentic, resilient, and meaningful life.
The Foundation of Strength: Unveiling the Brute
One of the central concepts in *We Can Do Hard Things* is the idea of the “Brute.” The Brute, as Doyle describes it, isn’t a monstrous force of aggression, but rather the inherent strength, resilience, and intuition that resides within each of us. It’s the primal knowing, the gut feeling that guides us, the quiet voice that whispers, “You can handle this.” The Brute is our innate capacity to survive, to adapt, and to overcome.
However, societal conditioning often works to disconnect us from our inner Brute. From a young age, we’re taught to suppress our emotions, to conform to expectations, and to prioritize external validation over our own inner wisdom. We’re told to be “good girls,” to be “strong men,” to be polite, agreeable, and always in control. These messages subtly, but powerfully, silence our Brute, leaving us feeling disconnected from our own inner compass.
Doyle uses powerful anecdotes from her own life and the lives of others to illustrate the many ways the Brute manifests itself. It’s the single mother working multiple jobs to provide for her children, the person battling addiction who chooses recovery again and again, the survivor of trauma who finds the courage to speak their truth. The Brute is in all of us, waiting to be awakened, waiting to be unleashed. Reconnecting with the Brute is about reclaiming our power and trusting our own intuition, even when the world tells us to doubt ourselves.
Vulnerability: The Gateway to Authentic Connection
For many, the idea of vulnerability is synonymous with weakness. We’re taught to put on a brave face, to hide our imperfections, and to project an image of strength and competence, even when we’re crumbling inside. *We Can Do Hard Things* challenges this deeply ingrained belief, arguing that vulnerability is not a weakness, but rather a superpower.
Doyle contends that true connection, the kind of connection that nourishes our souls and sustains us through difficult times, is only possible when we’re willing to be authentic, to share our struggles, and to let others see us, warts and all. When we dare to be vulnerable, we create space for others to do the same, fostering a sense of shared humanity and belonging. It’s in those moments of shared vulnerability that we realize we are not alone in our struggles, that others have felt the same pain, faced the same fears, and navigated similar challenges.
The book is filled with examples of how vulnerability fosters connection and healing. Doyle shares her own experiences with addiction, eating disorders, and marital struggles, inviting readers to see themselves in her story. By sharing her truth, she creates a space for others to share theirs, breaking down the walls of shame and isolation that often keep us trapped in silence. This radical honesty is not just therapeutic; it’s revolutionary. It’s a rejection of the false narratives of perfection and a celebration of the messy, imperfect beauty of the human experience.
Sisterhood: The Power of Shared Experience
Building on the foundation of vulnerability, *We Can Do Hard Things* emphasizes the transformative power of connection and community, particularly through “sisterhood.” This isn’t just about biological sisters; it’s about the bonds forged with other women (and like-minded individuals) who offer support, understanding, and a safe space to be ourselves.
Doyle’s podcast, also titled “We Can Do Hard Things,” serves as a powerful example of this concept. Alongside her sister, Amanda, and her wife, Abby Wambach, Doyle engages in honest and often raw conversations about the challenges of life, relationships, and self-discovery. The podcast provides a platform for listeners to feel seen, heard, and validated, creating a sense of community and belonging that extends far beyond the individual listener.
The power of sisterhood lies in its ability to challenge societal norms and provide a counter-narrative to the pressures of perfectionism and isolation. When we surround ourselves with people who accept us for who we are, who celebrate our strengths and support us through our weaknesses, we’re better equipped to navigate the inevitable challenges of life. Sisterhood offers a refuge from the judgment and competition that often pervades our society, providing a space for genuine connection and mutual support.
Challenging the Status Quo: Reclaiming Our Authentic Selves
*We Can Do Hard Things* is, at its core, a call to action. It urges readers to question the traditional roles and expectations that have been imposed upon them, particularly those placed upon women. The book challenges us to examine the ways in which we’ve been conditioned to prioritize the needs of others over our own, to silence our own voices, and to conform to societal ideals of beauty, success, and happiness.
Doyle dismantles the insidious nature of perfectionism, exposing it as a trap that keeps us perpetually striving for an unattainable ideal, while simultaneously eroding our self-worth. She addresses the dangers of comparison, highlighting the ways in which social media and curated online personas can fuel feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
The path to reclaiming our authentic selves involves actively questioning the narratives we’ve been told, challenging the expectations that have been placed upon us, and prioritizing our own well-being. It means setting boundaries, saying “no” when necessary, and honoring our own needs and desires. It means embracing our imperfections, celebrating our strengths, and trusting our own intuition. *We Can Do Hard Things* provides the tools and the inspiration to embark on this journey, to break free from the confines of societal expectations and to live a life that is truly our own.
Navigating Life’s Complexities: Key Themes in the Book
*We Can Do Hard Things* fearlessly explores a range of complex and often sensitive topics, providing a candid and compassionate perspective on the challenges we all face. The book addresses addiction and recovery, sharing Doyle’s own personal struggles and offering a message of hope and healing. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness, recognizing that recovery is a process, not a destination.
Mental health is another central theme, with Doyle openly discussing her experiences with anxiety, depression, and trauma. She advocates for seeking help, prioritizing mental well-being, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. The book encourages readers to prioritize self-care, to practice mindfulness, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace.
Marriage and relationships are also explored in depth, with Doyle sharing her experiences with divorce, remarriage, and the challenges of navigating intimate partnerships. She emphasizes the importance of honesty, communication, and establishing healthy boundaries in relationships. The book encourages readers to prioritize authenticity and to create relationships that are based on mutual respect and understanding.
Doyle also delves into the complexities of parenting, offering her perspectives on raising children in a world that can often feel overwhelming and uncertain. She encourages parents to cultivate empathy, compassion, and resilience in their children, empowering them to embrace their own “Brutes” and to navigate the challenges of life with courage and authenticity.
Evaluating the Impact: A Critical Look
*We Can Do Hard Things* has resonated with a wide audience, earning praise for its accessibility, relatability, and empowering message. Doyle’s storytelling ability and her willingness to be vulnerable create a powerful connection with readers, making them feel seen, heard, and understood. The book has the potential to inspire profound personal growth and to foster a greater sense of community and connection.
However, some critics have pointed out that the book’s focus is primarily on a specific demographic, namely middle-class, white women. Others have noted that Doyle’s style can be overly personal or emotional, which may not appeal to all readers.
Despite these criticisms, the overall reception of *We Can Do Hard Things* has been overwhelmingly positive. The book has become a bestseller, sparking countless conversations about vulnerability, mental health, relationships, and self-discovery. It has been featured in numerous media outlets and has inspired countless individuals to embrace their imperfections and to “do hard things.”
Conclusion: Embracing Our Strength and Building Connection
In a world that often feels isolating and overwhelming, *We Can Do Hard Things* offers a powerful antidote. Glennon Doyle masterfully reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, that we are all capable of more than we think, and that true strength lies not in perfection, but in vulnerability. She offers more than just platitudes; she offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life with courage, compassion, and authenticity.
*We Can Do Hard Things* isn’t just a book; it’s a movement, a call to action, and a reminder that we are stronger together. It’s an invitation to embrace our “Brutes,” to seek connection, and to create a world where vulnerability is celebrated, and where everyone feels empowered to live a life that is truly their own. So, let us embrace our imperfections, share our stories, and remind ourselves, and each other, that yes, *we can do hard things*. The journey won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. It will lead us to a more authentic, resilient, and meaningful life, a life filled with connection, purpose, and the unwavering belief that we are capable of anything.
