“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient.” 

– Dr. Steve Maraboli.

Life isn’t always easy. As much as we wish that things would turn out the way we would like, sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. Some people face so many difficulties and hardships in their lives, they are left broken. They lose hope. Others, no matter how many problems and obstacles they face, bounce back, grow stronger and remain optimistic about their lives. 

Resilience is the quality that enables us to meet our challenges and bounce back, grow stronger from the experience.  It doesn’t mean that we see the world with rose-colored lenses. Resilient folks are well aware of the hardships and setbacks of life. The difference is in the way that they handle those setbacks. 

Resilience is a quality that helps people face the difficult times in their life. It helps people face adversity, learn from it, and be able to move on. Resilient people face adversity and adapt, and they are able to come through stronger.  

Resilience can be developed over time.   Practicing the following steps in your daily life will help you strengthen resilience.

  • When facing a challenge, you can reframe your thoughts. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll never be able to deal with this,” you could change your self-talk.  You might say, “This is a difficult time but I know I will get through it, and can find the resources I need.”  You can reframe a “problem” as an opportunity, recognize the learning or potential gain to be had.
  • Share the problem and seek support. There is no shortage of resources available to help if you look for them. If you need to seek out a professional, do so. You can gain insight into solving your problem by learning from others.  
  • Process your emotions – don’t ignore them.  If you’re disappointed about an outcome, acknowledge your feelings so that you can move on.  Doing so will decrease stress and help you gain perspective.  You will gain clarity which can help increase your resilience to regroup and move forward.
  • Practice healthy stress management techniques.  Meditation and mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, a brisk walk outside, especially in nature, will help reduce stressful thoughts by calming both body and mind.
  • Practice self-compassion.  Most of us are more than willing to support a friend who is going through a hard time.  When it comes to us, we are often likely to judge or criticize harshly.  Allow yourself to be human and give yourself the same empathy you would give a friend. 

Like anything else that we practice over time, we can learn to grow personal resilience. Think back to a challenge that you faced and grew from.  That’s resilience!

I would love to hear from you, so write a comment below or on my Facebook page.

Categories: Wellness