Embracing Resilience
Navigating throughout the beautiful joys of life comes with its ups and downs but I have found so much power in perspective. When faced with struggles, where can we find the highs when we feel like we are drowning in lows. The ability to face challenges can be uplifted through a switch in perspective as an opportunity for growth.
Through self reflection, I find that some past challenges have been overcome with an optimistic mind and embracing resilience. These moments equip you with skills to enlighten and provide insight that you will continue to carry throughout your life. Remember where you started, where your goals are, and the power of opportunity. I believe that embracing resilience comes with so many steps such as understanding the journey, building a support system, and believing in yourself.
As lucky as we would be to reach the destination in no time, the journey is all part of the process. When you break it down into small daily decisions that will lead to a lifelong impact, those moments where you push through doubt or take a step outside of what is comfortable adds to you, your strength, and your resilience. The journey from the years of school many of us went through, to going to college, to graduating, to getting our first job, to building a family, to accomplishing dreams, each victory makes you you and reminds you of the challenges you are overcoming and capable of. Enjoy the present because it will soon be the past!
Building your support system takes time, but it is a reminder that you don't have to face challenges alone. Surrounding yourself with people who are like minded and supportive through day to day can lighten your load, provide encouragement, teach you new perspectives, and bring you opportunities. At whistlestop acres, we encourage you to join local groups, come to intensives, and bring you a sense of community with group therapy. These all can align with your interests or challenges, connect you with those who share similar interests, experiences, and are facing similar challenges. We encourage you to find a sense of belonging and understanding.
I encourage you to believe in yourself. Being hard on yourself is so easy when you are already beating yourself up. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, put power in the perspective, and treat yourself with the same compassion you would extend to a loved one. As someone who encourages self care, take a moment to reflect and indulge in your favorite hobby, something relaxing, or something that brings you peace. Acknowledge your challenges and recognize your worth, you are not defined by your challenges, but you are being shaped into a resilient and compassionate person. Trust yourself, trust your support system, and trust the journey. You are exactly where you need to be! The days ahead are yours, so make them your own.
Remember, you are never alone in your journey. Keep moving forward, one small daily decision is going to make a lifelong impact. The light at the end of the tunnel is waiting for you.
- Cliona