There’s a moment from the Peanuts comic strip that I’ve always related to: Charlie Brown gearing up to kick the football. Every time, he gives it his all, determined to finally succeed. And every time, Lucy pulls the ball away, leaving him flat on his back, staring at the sky, wondering what just happened. That’s Charlie Brown’s charm—no matter how many times he gets knocked down, he keeps getting back up.
His perseverance reminds us that resilience is essential in navigating life’s broader struggles. Whether it’s personal setbacks, professional disappointments, or the unexpected curveballs life throws at us, it’s the act of getting back up—again and again—that shapes who we are and builds our inner strength. Charlie Brown teaches us that even in the face of repeated failures, the willingness to try again is what ultimately keeps us moving forward. Resilience isn’t just about the outcome—it’s about the growth and character we build through persistence, even when success feels out of reach.
But let’s be honest. Sometimes, it’s exhausting to feel like Charlie Brown.
In many ways, I’ve often felt like Charlie Brown in my own life. I work hard, set my sights on big goals, and try to do everything right. But somehow, things don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s missing out on an opportunity at work or facing a personal setback, I’ve had my fair share of moments lying flat on my back, wondering why Lucy keeps pulling the ball away.
Recently, I had one of those moments. I’d been passed over for something I really wanted at work, and it left me feeling defeated. It felt like another moment of Lucy yanking the ball away just as I was about to kick it. So when I found myself in California for a business trip, I decided to take an extra day to meet up with two old friends, one of whom brought her daughter along, at Disney California Adventure Park.
It was July in Anaheim, and the summer heat was relentless. The kind of heat that rises off the pavement in shimmering waves, making everything feel just a little heavier. We were at California Adventure, navigating the park with a strategic plan crafted by my friend and her daughter, who were seasoned Disney theme park pros.
Over lunch, I shared how I’d been passed over for a promotion and how it left me feeling like Charlie Brown—working so hard, only to have the ball pulled away at the last second by Lucy. Like Charlie Brown confiding in Linus, I worried that sharing my struggles might dampen the mood, but my friends assured me otherwise. They reminded me that setbacks don’t define us—it’s how we rise after them that truly matters. I needed the distraction, and let’s face it, a day at a theme park with good company is always a welcome escape.
We had Fast Passes for Radiator Springs Racers, one of the park’s most popular rides, and managed to time it perfectly. Luck was on our side with other rides too, but even with the best strategy, the long lines and scorching heat had us all drained by the end of the day.
Around 6 PM, we decided to grab dinner before parting ways. The problem was, everyone else seemed to have the same idea. The restaurants were packed with people trying to eat before the evening event started, and every hostess we approached shook their head: no tables, no room for walk-ins.
As the sun dipped lower, the heat didn’t feel as oppressive, but the frustration of finding a table began to creep in. I could feel that familiar Charlie Brown sensation bubbling up—as if Lucy was about to pull the ball away again. Why even bother? Good grief.
But then, something compelled me to approach one more hostess. I asked to see a menu and casually inquired how long the wait might be. She paused, looked at me, and asked, “How many in your party?”
“Four,” I replied, bracing for the bad news.
She smiled. “You’re in luck! We just had a cancellation.”
Just like that, we had a table. My friends and I looked at each other in disbelief. Before I could say anything, my friend’s daughter grinned at me and said, with perfect timing, ‘Who’s got the ball now, Lucy?’
Her comment hit me harder than I expected. It wasn’t just about that moment—it reframed how I saw setbacks in my life. I realized how much time I spend focusing on the falling down, rather than appreciating the resilience it takes to get back up. Every effort to rise again builds not just strength, but a sense of purpose and growth that carries us through life’s challenges. Those words were a wake-up call, reminding me to focus not only on big victories but also on recognizing and celebrating the small wins that keep us moving forward.
So, here’s to all the Charlie Browns out there. Keep getting back up. Because one day, when you least expect it, Lucy might just leave that ball in place. And when that happens, it’s not just the success that will matter—it’s the resilience you’ve built along the way.
