Definition of resilience: the process of Adapting well in the face of adversities.
I have experienced mental (clinical depression which no longer is present in my mind – body – spirit) and emotional ( addictions of which I have been in active recovery from for over thirty four years; dysfunctional relationships, and, PTSD stemming from trauma in my early years from which also I have healed completely) adversities. Other human adversities I have not personally experienced that others have lived through are social, financial, physical, and spiritual adversities. There was a long period in my life that the mental and emotional adversities had great power over me, becoming a proverbial ball and chain wrecking machine taking me into dark and deep abysses.
Somewhere along my journey I hit my emotional bottom of allowing life situations to toss me into the despair and hopelessness I was beaten into and about. I cannot tell you which straw broke the camel’s back, but the day did come that I made the decision to do life differently. I became a fiery phoenix rising from the ashes of my former powerless life.
Much of the strength I embrace today has come from teachings of trees I have known… as I observed them Swaying in the wind without breaking, teaching me the Superpower of flexible bending. For quite some time when people and situations challenge me, my persistence and resilience anchor me ,even in the face of fear , to bend without crumbling.
I have long heard the Universe will match the vibration I put out and that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear! I have been a witness of both of these truths several different times during the past few years.
What I know deeply within my heart today is:
-A challenge or difficulty is an opportunity to learn from, not a situation to devastate and paralyze me to my core
-Optimism and an attitude of gratitude strengthens my internal roots , empowering me to believe setbacks are only temporary, never permanent.
-Finding and participating in a trustworthy tribe of a cheerleading network of supporters will increase my resilience, especially during the storms of life.
My Renaissance of resilience was an earth shaking awakening that jolted me out of victimhood into a virtual springboard of positive actions.
Being resilient does not mean challenges, heartbreak, or adversity don’t exist. Resiliency is a tool that can be developed, learned, and used in all life experiences.
A few key resilience traits I have observed in myself and others are
– The Ability to claim and name the struggle; never denying it doesn’t exist
– Acceptance that change is inevitable
– Taking a personal inventory of oneself and acknowledgement of one’s own strengths and use of them In various life situations
– Pulling In the support of one’s trust worthy tribe when needed
– Asking self :what actions am I going to take for this situation?
-Creating a list of self caring activities that can be used to prevent overload of being overwhelmed in those times of adversities
Practicing resilience in times of unexpected and perhaps overwhelming situations can be one of the most successful tools in coping and also in bouncing back from unthinkable experiences. I cannot fathom a better time in our collective history than the present to embark upon a renaissance of resilience. I encourage you to find someone who is willing to be your guide in discovering the steps to resiliency that will pull you into the successful Warrior Stance you have been longing to claim.
Jaguarwind 