Radical: REBOUND
"The human capacity for burden is like bamboo - far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance." ~Jodi Picoult
I’ve been thinking about resilience lately. How some people have the ability to bounce back from hard times—no matter how earth-shattering the life event is. As an outside observer, it seems to roll right off their back.
But don't be fooled; this is a learned skill.
Coping takes practice.
Strength - mental, emotional, physical, and social - is a defining characteristic of resilience.
When you take a closer look at the strongest, most adaptable people, their ability to go toe-to-toe with life’s challenges comes down to a few key internal and external factors.
To be clear - strong people still experience the same level of stress, hardship, crisis, and emotional trauma. They just know how to process and pivot from these events from a place of confidence and inner resolve that allows them to believe they will overcome.
It’s a total mindset shift.
You can develop the skills necessary to navigate difficult situations.
Acceptance of your present circumstances and a willingness to be flexible helps build the framework for a new reality. This malleability conditions you to be determined, courageous, and self-reliant.
Emotional toughness comes from being able to sit with pain and discomfort, knowing that it’s temporary.
Realize that you have control over outcomes. By embracing the perspective of a resourceful problem-solver, you boost confidence in your ability to overcome challenges.
And a generous helping of good humor goes a long way too.
Crucially, having a network of friends and loved ones to call on when the going gets tough helps create a foundation for quicker recovery. Make sure the people you choose for your inner circle are trustworthy - meaning they actually show up when you need them most.
Finally, a defined purpose in life creates meaning and optimism about your future. When you have a larger reason for being, the sting of adversity is lessened considerably. And the focus on something positive sets you up for long-term happiness.
Tell me about a time when you had to be resilient. I’m listening. And I love a reason to cheer for personal wins!