The Mind of Mikasa

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Hardships can shape how we develop as a person.  Mikasa has definitely seen her share of hardships, and it has definitely shaped who she is as a person.  Though it’s definitely shaped her into a somewhat pessimistic person, it’s also gifted her with a mental grit and toughness few have ever experienced.  What lessons can we take from her lessons?  What can we learn from her experiences?

This World Is Cruel

As I said, Mikasa has seen her share of hardship.  Though she was a carefee, happy child, the murder of her parents before her eyes dramatically and permanently shifted her worldview.  She became more cynical, more ruthless, and more willing to do what needed to be done to win the day, regardless of how violent it might be.   In a way, this willingness to embrace the darkness gave her strength.  The strength to save Eren, and the strength to battle titans.

Many of us have gone through hardship.  Many of us have experienced darkness, and loss.  Maybe not necessarily as severe, or maybe more severe.  Surviving hardship leaves scars, to be sure, and unpleasant memories, but it can also be a source of strength.  Knowing what rock bottom feels like can make everything else seem more manageable, sometimes.  Knowing you’ve made it through the darkness before can make the darkness easier to weather the second time around.

Try to derive strength from your hardships and failures, and not allow them to drag you down, or leave you mired in your own darkness.

But also beautiful.

Mikasa is not without hope, or light, or happiness, though.  She’s cynical, yes, but she is tirelessly devoted to her friends.  Eren is the first that comes to mind, and her loyalty to him borders on fanatical.  But Armin and the other soldiers of her squad also earn her loyalty and her caring.  She also cares deeply for the regular people she’s trying to protect, and prioritizes their wellbeing over most other things (with the exception of Eren and Armin.)

Finding light in others is an important human trait.  Sometimes, we can find ourselves mired in our own darkness, but still willing to bring light to others.  Sometimes it’s being willing to fight for others that can keep us going, even when we’re not sure if we want to fight for ourselves.  Finding strength in our friends and allies can keep us going even when all other hope seems lost.

We’re all in this together, on this mud ball hurtling through space.  We might not have titans trying to wipe us out, but we have plenty of other troubles to deal with.  Stand by those you care about, and allow their light to brighten your life.

Accept no defeat.

Finally, realize that giving up is not an option.  Switching tactics?  Sure.  Tactical retreat?  Sometimes, yeah.  But giving up?  Not a chance.  Mikasa doesn’t give up.  Her pursuit of her goals is both legendary, and relentless.  It’s not that she doesn’t feel afraid, or despondent, or upset, or tired…  She just doesn’t let them stop her.

Pick your target.  Realize what needs to be done to reach it.  Do what you need to do.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

That’s the way of Mikasa Ackerman.

Live boldly, change the world, and continue to be awesome!

The Best Dan Wallace