Resilience 101

During a resilience workshop in which I conducted, I showed a video on a Mother suffering from cancer with the added challenge of raising a child who is mentally challenged.

The video showed her struggles and frustrations in coping with these two challenges. She also shared several ways that helped her manage her negative emotions and to remain strong.

1. Exercise

She went to the Community Center and signed up for weekly Tai Chi classes as well as joined her neighbors in daily exercises. She says that her mood has become better and that she was not so depressed.

There are numerous research that indicates exercising is good not only for the body but also for the mind. Besides being physically stronger, fitter and even slimmer, exercise also produces several beneficial neurotransmitters such as endorphins (relieve pain and relief stress), dopamine (pleasure and satisfaction) and serotonin (wellbeing and happiness). These brain chemicals play an important part in regulating your mood.

2. Know Thy Why

The Mother is very clear on why she wants to remain mentally and physically strong. Her two main reasons are as follows:

a. One of her siblings died of cancer and she does not want her own mother to see another one of her child to die due to cancer.

b. She is very concern on who can take care of her child if she passes on and is determined to be around for her.

There is a saying “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” The question is why does the tough gets going? To me, one of the main reason why the tough gets going is due to the fact that they are very clear of their purpose (Know The Why). It could be a grand notion of Making a Difference in those they are in contact with or just wanting to be able to support their loves one or to have a better life.

What is your WHY? What is your WHY that will keep you moving forward when you are knocked down or when things just don’t go your way?

3. Positive Mindset

In the video, she reminds herself with this “Everyday I can wake up and open my eyes, I have earned a day of living”. She also states that she no longer expects a perfect family, “I think perfection is about how to stay calm and deal with life’s problems.”

Having such a wonderful mindset and belief system is paramount to remaining strong when lemons are thrown at you.

Isn’t it time to explore and determine if your current belief systems are helping you to remain strong and resilient?