Keep Shadows Behind You: Five Key Lessons on Resilience
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Understanding Resilience in Life
As I reflect on my journey at the age of eighty, I have embraced "resilience" as my guiding principle for 2023. This concept signifies my growing capacity to adapt to change, which has become a consistent theme in my life.
Resilience embodies the strength to recover from adversities. It's about recognizing that challenges are not the end, a sentiment echoed by Ronald Reagan when he stated:
“I’ll lay me down and bleed a while. Though I am wounded, I am not slain. I shall rise and fight again.” – Ronald Reagan (quoting an old English ballad during his concession speech in 1976 after losing the Republican nomination to Gerald Ford)
Chapter 1: Embracing Life’s Challenges
In her insightful book, The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life, Edith Eger, a Holocaust survivor, provides profound wisdom on navigating life’s difficulties. She contrasts the mindset of a victim, who asks, “Why me?” with that of a survivor, who inquires, “What now?”
Section 1.1: My Journey with Life’s Twists
When my first wife departed, I lingered in the "Why me?" mindset for an extended period. However, it was only when I transitioned my thinking to "What now?" that I began to regain control over my life. Resilient individuals are those who ask “what now?” in the face of adversity, accepting the challenges life presents.
Section 1.2: Managing Emotions Effectively
After dedicating 22 years to a local factory that ultimately shut down, I had already learned the importance of asking “What now?” Although the closure stirred strong emotions, I didn’t allow these feelings to cloud my judgment. I chose resilience over despair, and that choice has served me well.
Subsection 1.2.1: The Power of Ownership
I couldn’t prevent my wife from leaving, nor could I save the factory. Blaming external circumstances wouldn’t change my situation. True ownership involves acknowledging what you can’t change while taking charge of what you can. My advice? Embrace change before it overwhelms you.
Section 1.3: Welcoming Change
Experiencing the loss of family members is an inevitable part of aging. As the youngest of seven, I have witnessed the passing of most of my siblings. While I wish they were still here, I am learning to accept death as a natural part of life. By embracing this reality, I am enhancing my resilience.
Section 1.4: Finding the Light
Maintaining a positive outlook in a sometimes negative world requires effort. I grew up with a father who often expressed pessimism about his business, yet it thrived and was eventually passed on to his sons. I realized that focusing on the bright side illuminates the path ahead. Standing tall and confronting challenges head-on allows you to keep shadows behind you.
Section 1.5: Conclusion on Resilience
Survivors reject the “why me?” mentality in favor of “what now?” While emotions are valid, they shouldn't dictate your actions. Embrace change and accept the inevitable. Keep shadows behind you and cultivate resilience.
Do you want to enhance your resilience? For more insights, check out Kendra Cherry’s article on 10 Ways to Build Resilience.
Section 1.6: Share Your Resilience Story
I invite you to share your experiences with resilience. When has resilience helped you overcome adversity? Let’s engage in a conversation about the power of resilience.
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