How is it that one woman juggles her kids, job, home and relationships without succumbing to the pressure, while another woman with similar circ*mstances is ready to blow at any given moment?
Resiliency is the difference – not just in the way we manage stress, but also in our ability to find balance and happiness more consistently.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back in the face of challenges, losses and adversity. The resilient woman harnesses inner strengths and rebounds quickly from setbacks such as transitions, illness, trauma, or the death of a loved one. Resilience is also the ability to self-soothe during these difficult times.
On the other hand, people lacking resilience often have a “why me” attitude. They tend to focus on their losses, feel victimized, find excuses and become overwhelmed with their life circ*mstances. The chronic lack of resilience puts one at risk for compromised psychological and physical well-being, which can have long term implications.
Symptoms associated with the absence of resilience are anxiety, depression chronic pain, isolation, feelings of hopelessness and pessimism. Physical manifestations can include a compromised immune system, being accident prone and disruptive sleeping and eating patterns.
For some lucky souls resiliency comes naturally. The rest of us need to learn and cultivate these skills. Resilient women are able to self-nurture and develop an inner sense of well-being.
Characteristics of the Resilient Woman:
- Does not ignore difficult feelings. Instead she develops insight and learns how to tolerate her wide range of emotions.
- Believes that she is responsible for her successes, although not so much for her failures.
- Reframes her circ*mstances with an optimistic perspective.
- Perceives pain and suffering as a temporary setback.
- Fosters friendships, intimate relationships and support systems.
- Laughs readily and has a sense of humor.
- Perseveres regardless of circ*mstances.
- Feels connected spiritually.
At the heart of resilience is the belief in oneself as well as the belief in something larger than oneself such as faith, the continuum of the generations, global consciousness and nature.
What Helps you to be resilient during difficult times?
