Cultivating Resilience in a Challenging World

Since the results of the US election two weeks ago, I have been reflecting on the impact that these results will have on us as Canadians. Suffice it to say, like many of us, I keep thinking ‘there but for the grace of GOD go we’.

We all know that there is little we can do about many of the events happening in the world today and if we allow our attention to wander there too often, we can feel powerless and depressed.

It is concerning, there is no denying that. Yet the reality is we have to live our lives, get on with what we can do, who we can be and what we can influence. This is where our power lies, in what is called our Circle of Influence, those people and circumstances which we can immediately affect.

Focusing on what you can change or influence places you firmly in the driver’s seat if you will, still responsible for your own life, still responsible for your actions and behaviours, and still responsible for how you treat others.

So, let’s agree to take the high road, to be kind and compassionate, to propagate love, to treat ourselves and others with the utmost respect, and finally, to live in gratitude for all that we have. All of these things allow us to remain resilient during turbulent times.

“It’s your reaction to adversity,
not adversity itself
that determines how your life’s story will develop.”
Nelson Mandela

Resilience

Resilience is the quality that allows people to bounce back from challenging situations, whether that is a great personal loss, a significant event that topples their world or simply events happening in the greater world around them.

That said it is important to have resources or strategies to rely on when facing life, remaining resilient and embracing an attitude of mental toughness.

Strategies:

Affirm Yourself

Check in and make sure you are not diminishing yourself with negative inner talk. You are in charge of this. Become consciously aware of what you are saying to yourself and change the message to something uplifting. Develop your knowledge regarding your qualities, strengths and gifts.

Self-Acknowledgment

When you receive complements and acknowledgment from others, accept them graciously and simply say ‘Thank-You’. Learn to acknowledge yourself for your successes and accomplishments. Take the time to do an inventory of your experience, your successes, your strengths and the value you add to your world.

Don’t Take It Personally

Create space between yourself and the events that are happening around you. Changes are made without considering the effect on you and, most importantly, the changes are not intended to be personal. The more you can de-personalize the changes, the greater your resilience.

Speak-UP

Learn to speak up for yourself. Take the time and opportunity to clarify what it is you want and share this with others. This strengthens the opportunities for attracting what is ideal for you.

Be Clear on Your I AM

Develop your ‘I AM’ statement. This represents who you are choosing to be in any situation. It is your source of inner power and clarity. It begins by saying to yourself I AM ___, breathing it in, feeling it and radiating it. Who you ‘BE’ is more powerful than anything you ‘DO’.

Attract Your Perfect Tribe

Be clear on whom you want to surround yourself with especially during challenging times. Make sure these are people who lift you up, love you unconditionally, listen to you, appreciate you and support you.

Take ME FIRST Time

Commit to a minimum of 15 minutes/day of ME FIRST time. This is time just for you, not to be shared. Use it for breathing, meditation, setting your ‘I AM’ statements or for gratitude. It gives you an opportunity to become clear on what you want to create/attract in your life.

Develop Your NO-How

Be clear on your personal boundaries. Know what your priorities and your responsibilities are. Develop your ability to say NO to what is not yours to own or take care of. Release anything that no longer serves you – it takes up space. Fill your space with what is meaningful, important and in your highest good.

Practice Gratitude

In day-to-day living, humans have the habit of focusing on the negative events and happenings of life. When you switch gears and re-focus on those aspects for which you are grateful, it lifts your spirits and helps you access joy.

Choose Inspiring Messaging

Monitor what you choose to read, listen to and watch and choose that which inspires you. Subscribe to news sources that provide balanced reporting and share good news stories.

Final Word

Over the years you have heard me share many of the strategies I have listed above. There is no magic bullet for remaining resilient other than looking after yourself and in doing so, keeping you strong enough to care for others as well.

Wishing everyone Peace, Joy and Love in this Holiday Season.

Betty Healey