Resilience refers to our ability to recover, to bounce back after facing adversity or challenge. One dictionary includes the idea of being able to return to original form after being "bent, compressed or stretched" and there are certainly life events that make us feel as though we have been put through the wringer. Some factors within our sphere of influence that effect resiliency include:
The ability to recognize that bad times or events are transitory and things will get better ("this too shall pass")
Acknowledging that stress or trauma is happening (or has happened) but not allowing it to take over or to become your identity
Keeping good company and having a strong support system; healthy relationships are important to manage stress
Belief in oneself and connection to something greater than yourself
The ability to recognize what you need, what your issues are and when it is time to ask for help (and, of course, the willingness to actually ask for help when needed)
Recognizing and challenging old limiting beliefs to choose new ones that serve you better
Being flexible and willing to learn new things (especially about yourself)
Habits of self care including nutrition, exercise, compassion, and rest (for more on the importance of taking "time out", see last month's tidbit on rebooting)
The ability to consider other possibilities; reframing the situation to see other perspectives allows for more and different choices
Recognizing and stepping outside the "monkey mind" of fearful self talk
Breathing deep and being mindful in the moment for improved clarity and vision
Having a "tool box" of resources to use in difficult times .... and choosing to use them
The willingness to try new things; to take considered risks and build confidence with each success
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” --- Eleanor Roosevelt
The ability to recognize that bad times or events are transitory and things will get better ("this too shall pass")
Acknowledging that stress or trauma is happening (or has happened) but not allowing it to take over or to become your identity
Keeping good company and having a strong support system; healthy relationships are important to manage stress
Belief in oneself and connection to something greater than yourself
The ability to recognize what you need, what your issues are and when it is time to ask for help (and, of course, the willingness to actually ask for help when needed)
Recognizing and challenging old limiting beliefs to choose new ones that serve you better
Being flexible and willing to learn new things (especially about yourself)
Habits of self care including nutrition, exercise, compassion, and rest (for more on the importance of taking "time out", see last month's tidbit on rebooting)
The ability to consider other possibilities; reframing the situation to see other perspectives allows for more and different choices
Recognizing and stepping outside the "monkey mind" of fearful self talk
Breathing deep and being mindful in the moment for improved clarity and vision
Having a "tool box" of resources to use in difficult times .... and choosing to use them
The willingness to try new things; to take considered risks and build confidence with each success
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” --- Eleanor Roosevelt
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