You, Too, Can Be Resilient

Life tests us and poses situations that exceed our capacities. We have two options: to feel that we have failed or to overcome and emerge stronger.

Life often tests us and confronts us with situations that surpass our abilities. In these moments, we may feel like we have failed, but we also have the option to overcome these challenges and emerge even stronger.

Enter resilience.

Resilience is the human capacity to confront difficult situations and overcome them flexibly. It involves restructuring our psychological resources according to new circumstances and our needs, and resilient people use those situations to grow and develop their potential to the maximum.

Resilience is not an innate quality, nor is it imprinted on our genes. We can all develop it throughout life as long as we change some of our habits and beliefs.

So, what characteristics describe a resilient person?

• Resilient people know their strengths and limitations, are creative, trust their abilities, and see difficulties as opportunities to learn.

• They know their potential and limitations and trust what they can do, but they also know when to ask for help.

• Resilient people can accept crises as opportunities to generate change, learn, and grow.

• They practice mindfulness, are fully present in the here and now, and view life objectively but consistently through an optimistic prism.

• Resilient people are objective, know their potential, resources, and goals, and are hopeful.

• They surround themselves with people who have a positive attitude, avoid emotional vampires, and have the know-how to change their emotions when they cannot change reality.

• Resilient people are flexible, adapt to change, are tenacious in their purposes, have a sense of humor, and are willing to seek professional help when necessary.

• They are also aware of the importance of social support and can laugh at adversity.

From a parenting standpoint, if we want our children to face life’s difficulties with strength, we must build a secure attachment with them and educate them on their ability to be resilient. We must also trust them and not overprotect them.

Additionally, teaching children to accept and manage their emotions will guide them on the path of resilience and will transmit our confidence that they can face and overcome adversity.

Next time a challenge knocks on your door, ask yourself if you will view it through the lens of resilience or dejection.