Life is hard and you need a whole lot of Jävlaranamma to get through it with your sanity intact.

So what is Jävlaranamma?

/Y-æ-vlar-an-amma/

Jävlaranamma is a Swedish “power” or swear word (and even the name of a punk band!). You might say it if you drop the hammer on your big toe. But don’t worry, it also has a much more inspiring meaning than that.

It is also a noun (commonly written as two words, jävlar anamma), and some synonyms (translated from Swedish) are fighting spirit, boldness, audacity, courage, drive, perseverance, and a measurement of passion for something.

Jävlaranamma is the closest equivalent to grit in Swedish.

I want to describe it as the passion, determination, drive, inner strength, perseverance & willpower to push through challenges and keep going to get where you want and reach your goals.

But it also means courage, backbone, and the ability to stand up for yourself.

So why do I use this word for my blog and attitude, and not grit, since I write in English?

I think the word Jävlaranamma has a lot more power and coolness to it. That’s it!

My own Jävlaranamma

After a life of avoiding the hard things, my Jävlaranamma was triggered by a knee injury when I wanted to become a runner. It was not a serious injury but I was pissed off and banged my fist in the table, and decided to work hard to become strong enough to be a runner. Eventually other problems arose and I quit running, but I didn’t give up the Jävlarnamma or the hard work.

I use my Jävlaranamma to build a fit and strong body, beat my self-doubt, show up and make the best of life despite obstacles, and create a good life and the version of myself that I want to be.