Lessons from Mars

When Earth Feels Like Mars

I am pretty sure I live on Earth. But sometimes—like today—I feel as if I’m living on Mars.

Let me back up.

I recently rewatched The Martian, based on Andy Weir’s incredible book. If you haven’t read or watched it, please stop reading this and go do that. I’ll wait. 🙂

Good. Now we’re all on the same page.

Why The Martian Inspires

I’m a sentimentalist—a gooey ball of emotions—when I encounter stories about the strength of the human spirit, about triumphing in the face of impossible odds. True stories are my favorite. Obviously, The Martian is science fiction, but it feels like truth. And that’s the mark of a fabulous story: when we believe it. When we’re immersed in the character’s emotions and choices, and we can picture ourselves right there in that situation. Excellent writing, Mr. Weir.

The Power of a Decision

So why is this story so inspiring? Because astronaut Mark Watney has a lot to teach us. He is alone. No one there to help him but himself. And he makes a decision: “I’m not going to die.” With that proclamation, he sets in motion a chain of problem-solving. One obstacle at a time. His resolve, humor, and determination—in the face of staggering odds—give us motivation to rise up when our own lives get difficult.

Living on Another Planet

Right now, I suspect many of us feel like we’re living on another planet. So many challenges. So much change. And with the rapid pace of it all, it can be hard to stay grounded. To feel joy. To know our worth. To know what to do. To even believe we can survive.

But what if—like Mark Watney—we simply decide? Decide to be fully present in whatever we’re doing. Decide to face one challenge at a time. Decide to harness our immense inner courage and turn our lives around.

Reigniting Inner Strength

After watching the movie again, I felt a surge of invincibility. I reignited that spark in me that says, “I am a powerful being. I can transcend the limitations in my life. No boundary, no barrier can hold me back.”

There is a power within us, always ready and available. If we take time to check in with ourselves—to really look around—and refuse to let our circumstances define us, we can overcome. We can choose to move forward, without letting the gravitational pull of doubt or despair keep us down.

Stories That Bring Us Home

It brings me such joy to be a writer, but in times like these, greater joy to be a reader and a viewer—to connect with someone else’s creative vision, their humanity, their inspiration. Sharing in this is profoundly special.

In the end, we are all Martians—finding our way in our own orbits, searching for the path that leads us home to ourselves. And that, I believe, is something extraordinary.

Here’s to finding your inner Martian!