What Does it Mean to Be Resilient?
Having faced numerous adversities in my life, beginning at the tender age of eight with the death of my father, I have learned to move past these difficult setbacks by seeking new opportunities. Rather than remain in the sadness and hopelessness, I've learned to channel those emotions by forging toward more productive actions and setting new goals for myself.
Resilience, after all is the ability to bounce back, recover, or adapt in a positive way in the face of challenges and very difficult situations. It enables us to overcome traumas and hardships without being overwhelmed by them and sinking lower into depression.
It's important to note that being resilient isn't about avoiding difficulties or denying your grief or sadness. Rather, it's about developing the capacity to effectively cope with and recover from tragedy and suffering, while maintaining your own self-care and well-being.
"When a river of tears and a load of grief keep on flowing from a mountain of broken trust, feelings may relentlessly besiege the stronghold of our flesh. Only a timely adjustment with out mental compass can shore up confidence, resilience; and reliance."
-Germany Kent
Managing Change
In life, one constant you can rely on is change.
Change can manifest in various forms, whether it's the loss of a job, the passing of a loved one, dealing with illness, or the sting of betrayal. During these times of loss, you might experience a sense of being adrift, as though you're floating in uncharted space with little to ground you, leading to a feeling of being lost.
But, how can you nurture your resilience and navigate these changes when the future appears so uncertain? Here are five strategies to assist you on your journey towards resilience:
Acknowledge Feelings: It's normal to feel a mix of emotions when facing change, such as: uncertainty, fear, anger, and sadness. Allow yourself to acknowledge and validate these feelings.
Focus on What You Can Control: While there may be aspects of change that are beyond your control, try and focus on the things you can manage. Taking some type of action can help reduce anxiety and fear.
Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or professionals about these changes you're experiencing. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings, allowing others the chance to provide emotional support and assistance.
Self-Care: During times of change, prioritize self-care. This is crucial in allowing your body and mind to relax and therefore, be better able to cope with any trauma or stress.
Stay Patient: Managing change is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself and recognize that it's okay to feel moments of difficulty.
"Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it's less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you've lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that's good."
-Elizabeth Edwards
