RESILIENCE Steps to bounce back or

Resilience

Terry Sidford

As we transition out of an unsettling time in our world, we have the opportunity to reflect and try to connect to a life rhythm we once had. History has shown us that the human spirit is strong, resilient, and doesn’t give in or give up easily. We have seen the act of kindness spring out of fear and pain.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back or recover quickly from difficulties.

Why is it important to know how to be resilient in the face of hardships and adversities? Because we will continue to face challenges and unknowns throughout our lifetimes. We have a choice to face these challenges head on and keep living, thriving, and growing stronger. These characteristics show RESILIENCE: the ability to be tough and bounce back or recover quickly from difficulties. You can learn the skill of being resilient with these steps:

1. Practice being in the present time.

Learn to meditate or make time to journal in the morning. Even if your schedule is unpredictable, set an intention for your day. Visualize a good outcome at the end of your day. I like to call this your ‘To-Be’ list instead of your ‘To-Do’ list.

2. Notice what you are focusing on and believing.

Your thoughts are powerful and not always accurate. It is easy to fall into fearbased thinking in challenging times. Fear can paralyse you. I like to change the definition of fear to ‘Face Everything and Rise’. The majority of what we fear will never happen. Face your concerns head-on and keep a positive mindset. Keep going and get to the other side of fear. We cannot change everything that happens, but we can change how we respond. Choose to respond with positivity, strength, and courage.

3. Change your environment.

Get out and do something different. Connect to loved ones or get out into nature. It will help you see your current situation from a different perspective. Ask yourself how you can see this situation from a different point of view.

4. Eat healthy food and maintain a regular exercise routine.

These choices will help you release stress, feel more energy and a connection to your body, mind, and spirit. Taking long,

deep breaths will help calm the heart and nervous system so that you can release the hormones that help you feel grounded. You will make better decisions from this state of calmness.

5. Find the opportunity or gift in a challenge or adversity.

I find that whenever I have experienced pain or difficulty in my life, finding the meaning is the best way to learn. I look for something good that can come out of the experience or an opportunity to learn or grown. That way, I can move on, not feeling a loss. I can choose to learn and thrive instead of feeling victimized and become less because of the experience.

In conclusion, one thing we can always count on in life is change. Take any opportunity that is presented to you to tap into your ability to be resilient and courageous. You might surprise yourself and come out of it with a gift you never thought possible. When you know your power comes from within, you can face and overcome just about anything that life will throw you. Turn the meaning of your stories of trials and tribulations into stories of triumph and success.

Terry Sidford has been a certified life coach in the United States for the past 15 years and has assisted scores of people in achieving their dreams. More information is available from Terry’s website.

Don ´ t wish it were easier. Wish you were

better.

- Jim Rohn

F i tness