Resilience

Are you of the opinion that life can be hard but it is beautiful irrespective of the challenges? And so, one has to stay consistent in their efforts to get through the tough times that visit now and then. What for? because the light after the tunnel end is what humans deserve; every tunnel ends and there's source of light for those who believe in the light!

Here's to resilience that keeps us going when we encounter difficult situations in life. The anchor that holds us to dear life when things don't make sense. In times like the current pandemic and uncertainty; where our plans had to be postponed, modified, some cancelled, when the situation doesn't sync with what we thought the future will be, some lost their loved ones and some have their's surrounded by the virus...it is difficult time and surely not what we wished for. However, each gets to make a choice to hang in there, to not give up on themselves and their dreams. This holds true in any other challenging circumstances, may it be a phase or a state that appears to threaten a person. 

What is resilience then? American Psychological Association defines Resilience as 'the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands'.

I want to convey how powerful resilience is. There were times, they are and there will be; when one feels that no amount of effort is enough and the pessimistic voice is stronger than the optimistic voice that is to be heard. It is okay to acknowledge the negative thoughts that are coming in. Because acknowledgement is the first step towards change. Think of what you desire...what is that response that will get you closer to what your goals are? what reflects the person you are? Remember your beliefs! Revive the times when you have made yourself proud! Do yourself proud, one more time, always; one more time. 

The way an individual views the world and engages with species around contributes to the adaptation process. Available social resources and their quality has an active role to play. Importantly, your coping strategies will be your big time savior. As long as they are healthy for yourself and do not cause any direct/indirect harm to people around you. Greater resilience is a matter of will and practice. Coping-skills training helps in a person's effort to increase their ability to deal effectively with uncomfortable and challenging situations. If you find yourself at a juncture where you need therapy and intervention to build the same, then don't hesitate to approach Mental Health Professionals. Professional help seeking is attached to so many taboos, but they are 'taboos' after all. First step can be to break the stigma associated with help seeking. Surely, worthy pursuits. 

It is not falling that makes us miserable, but not getting up does. -Janhavee Mandrekar 

I wind up by re-emphasizing that one can't expect no falls, but can surely decide to rise up after each fall. Resilience is getting up stronger, it is also the mere act of continuing when it is tough to continue. Resilience is that voice in you which has faith in your ability to overcome challenging circumstances; to become stronger with every hassle as you hustle. 

Regards,

J.