Resilience
" The key to life is resilience. We will always be knocked down. Its the getting up that counts" -Dominique Browning
HI Friend!
The concept of "bouncing back" is familiar in the world of sports, inspiring fans as athletes overcome injuries and pursue their goals. This resilience can be applied to all aspects of life, fostering perseverance and self-confidence in the face of challenges. By cultivating resilience, we can navigate life's ups and downs, including trauma, chronic pain, adversity, and setbacks, with greater strength and determination.
“I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” – Carl Jung
Bouncing back is a concept well understood in the context of recovering from a sports injury. Following favorite players’ comeback stories fills fans with inspiration, encourages perseverance in pursuit of personal goals, and fosters a sense of self-confidence, like we can do it if they can. Cultivating resilience in the face of all life’s challenges is a proactive way of dealing with the unexpected, the upsets and disappointments, the pitfalls and successes in life, including how to cope with trauma, chronic pain, adversity and tragedy.
Resilience: What It’s All About
An article in Forbes defines resilience as “the capacity for stress-related growth” and states that resilience has two parts related to the way you bounce back and grow:
From big work or life adversity and trauma
From dealing with daily hassles and stress
Ways to Cultivate Resilience
Among the varied ways to develop and cultivate resilience, some are more self-evident than others, yet each is worth a try when attempting to weather life’s challenges.
Act. Even small steps add to a sense of accomplishment, of being proactive instead of reactive. Start with something you feel confident you can do and ask for help if you need it. There’s a lot to be said about self-empowerment when you act in your own best interests. After all, no one else can act for you.
Add to coping resources: Having a toolkit of effective coping resources is essential for everyone. Combat stress, depression, anxiety, and other emotional, psychological, and physical issues and conditions by incorporating practices like meditation, mindful yoga, exercise, and other relaxing activities into your routine. Journaling, spending time in nature, and listening to uplifting music are additional helpful tips.
Embrace flexibility: Flexibility enables resilience by allowing individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and find new ways to overcome obstacles. Resilience fosters flexibility by enabling individuals to withstand setbacks and maintain their ability to adapt and adjust. Both skills are essential for navigating the complexities of modern life, where uncertainty and change are constant.
Cultivate optimism: While some optimism is innate, much of it can be learned. By practicing positive self-thinking, you can train yourself to see opportunities where others see dead ends and view challenges with a hopeful perspective. Self-fulfilling prophecies play a significant role. Believing in your ability to overcome adversity can increase your chances of success, while a pessimistic outlook can hinder your progress.
Avoid self-blame and rumination: Engaging in unproductive thoughts can worsen your emotional state. Instead, focus on healthy coping mechanisms you've found effective in the past. By shifting your attention away from self-blame and dwelling on the past, you can begin to move forward and find healing.
View setbacks as temporary challenges: Remember, nothing lasts forever, including life-altering events and emotional pain. By recognizing the temporary nature of these experiences, you can navigate through them with greater resilience. Active participation in your healing process will play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and finding the path forward.
Cultivate GRADITUDE: GRADITUDE is a fundamental component of resilience and contentment. By actively practicing GRADITUDE, you can strengthen your resilience and enhance your overall well-being. The more you focus on the positive aspects of your life, the more resilient you'll become.
Reflect on Past Triumphs: During challenging times, it's easy to become overwhelmed by setbacks and negativity. It's crucial to remind yourself of your past successes and the obstacles you've overcome. These victories serve as evidence of your resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. Remember, if you've succeeded before, you can do it again.
Enhance Spirituality. Studies have shown that religion and spirituality can be powerful predictors of resilience in diverse populations, including those recovering from trauma, chronic pain, or addiction. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or self-reflection, can offer a sense of healing and well-being.
Whether facing daily stressors, significant life changes, or everyday challenges, understanding and building resilience can empower us to navigate life's obstacles with greater strength and adaptability. Resilience equips us with the inner strength to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and persevere in the face of adversity.
XO Jenna
