RESILIENCE: PART ONE

For the next three weeks, we will be focusing on resilience. We are all currently living in a season filled with suffering and uncertainty. With the serious Covid-19 outbreak, our resilience is put to the test. We will be spending the next weeks learning what resilience is and how we can cultivate more of it.

What is Resilience?

Think of resilience in terms of construction; the resiliency of an infrastructure is its ability to absorb or avoid damage without suffering complete failure. In the same way, resilience is a person’s ability to cope, or ‘bounce back’ in spite of setbacks, barriers, or difficulties.

Resilience does not eliminate stress or take away difficulties. People who practice resilience still feel emotional pain, discomfort, grief and a sense of loss during challenging seasons. The difference is, resilience allows a person to work through these feelings, rebuild, and recover.

What It Looks Like…

• Accepting that life is always changing
• Understanding you aren’t in control of everything
• Facing a challenge head-on
• Coping with negative thoughts and emotions
• Confidence in overcoming obstacles
• Not becoming overwhelmed
• Letting go of unrealistic expectations
• Accessing and maintaining support

Characteristics of a resilient person include

• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Confidence
• Connection
• Humor
• Self-awareness
• Stability
• Support

Why Is Resilience Important?

It allows you to have a mental reservoir of strength that can be called on in times of uncertainty and difficulty. Research shows that resilient people are better able to handle adversity and not only survive in difficult seasons, but thrive. In addition, you can learn and grow as a result of setbacks and therefore continue to build and rebuild your life after a catastrophe.

WHAT’S TO COME…

Now that we have learned what resilience is, it’s time to put it into practice. Join us next week to learn what steps you can take to foster more resilience and thrive amid life’s adversity.