Resilience is a key aspect of mental health. To quote the American Psychological Association (APA) article,
Building Your Resilience, "Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting
well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems,
or workplace and financial stressors."
Resilience is why, despite adversity, some seem to prosper in life while others flounder or turn to self-destructive behaviors.
Not everyone is born with resilience, but it can be built or increased. The APA authors go on to say that building resilience is like building a muscle, and similarly it
takes time and intentionality. They advise focusing on four core components — connection, wellness, healthy thinking and meaning —
and claim these components "can empower you to withstand and learn from difficult and traumatic experiences."
Specifically, with regard to "meaning," they suggest finding a purpose, helping others, being proactive, moving toward your goals, and looking for
opportunities for self-discovery.
On this website, the Circle of Fulfillment starts with the basics (health, joy, vitality, love) and leads you through values, meaning, goals, and achievement,
with the end goal of fulfillment.
Isn't it curious how the same pursuits that build fulfillment also build resilience?
Watch the videos below to learn more about resilience.
Resilience Quotes
"A good half of the art of living is resilience." Alain de Botton
"To be rendered powerless does not destroy your humanity. Your resilience is your humanity.
The only people who lose their humanity are those who believe they have the right to render another human being powerless.
They are the weak. To yield and not break, that is incredible strength." Hannah Gadsby
"Sometimes we need to tell ourselves what to think when our minds start telling us things that we don't need to hear."
"That you can and will overcome and succeed and not just in spite of trauma, but precisely because of it."
"With the proper perspective and a positive attitude, we have power."
"Understand, sometimes it's hard, and it's tough and it's painful. You get tired, you get weak, and when you don't know how to keep going, sometimes all the strength you need
is to ask others for help."
It's okay to acknowledge that I was a victim. But refuse to own being a victim. You get that subtle difference between past and present tense?
That gives us power!