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“Life is very interesting- in the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths”- Drew Barrymore
Life is a unique event. It pans out differently for each 788-crore people on our planet. The only fact that remains similar is that everyone goes through ups and downs. Some face a tough childhood, maybe in the war zones of the world. The other may have sleepless nights due to frequent hospital visits for a loved one. Another may be dealing with a toxic environment at work or home. But therein lies the beauty of humankind. We are courageous beings. We have to navigate through the course of life no matter what it brings. Resilience in its essence is reflected in Phil Dunphy’s words from Modern Family when he says, “When life gives you lemonade, make lemons. Life will be all like WHAT?”
Building resilience predominantly means learning to adapt to the various circumstances of life. It means having physical, mental and emotional flexibility to overcome the topsy-turvy bends of life. Resilience is bouncing back, standing tall and having an unshakable spirit to face life. J.K Rowling said, “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.’ This statement is a classic ode to building resilience.
The moment of crisis is always sudden and uncalled for. At such times, it is imperative to learn how to build resilience in life. One of the foremost steps to take on the path to building resilience is finding for yourself, one or a group of people who are the most trustworthy confidants in life. They can be friends, family member(s), a work colleague. When there is real-time, non-judgemental space between them, one can talk their heart out and seek help. A cup of hot beverage or a long drive with good music or simple flowing conversations are important parts towards building resilience. These little moments become heartwarming instances where one feels safe enough to let their guard down and receive love, attention, and care when one is at their lowest.
There is a lot of open discussion about many Indians finally seeking professional help to get through tough times in life. Professional help or therapy inches a person to feel better, understand themselves better and work towards building a stronger, yet more vulnerable foundation of self. It is a beautiful moment of catharsis when one approaches life and its troubles in a more guided way. It inculcates fearlessness which is again an aspect of being resilient in life.
Building resilience is also being self-aware and working on the tolerance level of the self. It is understanding the big and the small triggers that direct a reaction instead of a response. Now it may seem impossible to use logic and reaction when one is faced with a major life jittering event. But that is where the next step of building resilience comes in. Understand the situation. The most doable trick is to use a pen and paper and jot down all the problems. This will help in clearing the mind and the headspace giving oneself a chance to look at multiple aspects holistically. When one understands and analyzes the circumstances at hand, it is a victory that brings a significant sprout of resilience.
Probably the most difficult aspect of building resilience to face difficulties is to take a step back and consciously introspect. Walk inwards, towards the core of your being. Prod the questions Who, What, How. Burn the fire within to get a glance of the diamond that you are. Self-realization, though not easy, is the best answer to life’s examination. This journey within, fortunately or unfortunately cannot happen with company. It has to be taken up alone, as Ravindranath Tagore said, ‘Ekla Cholo re.’ This process will become the most rewarding event you have ever come across in life.
At the very end, the most crucial rope in building resilience is growing spiritually. It means acknowledging the presence of a God you believe in, or a Supreme Power that is guiding your way ahead. Many times, when life feels like it’s falling apart, it is the universe making space for something grand, more precious in your life. Learn to look at each life event as divine intervention and see how life manifests. Incling towards spirituality will build an internal strength in your core. Being spiritual will set you free.
Conclusion
Building resilience is not an overnight episode. It is the determination to live life well, with minimum regrets. Cultivating the character of body and mind requires tireless efforts in the correct direction. It means being constantly reminded of Shri Krishna’s message- Strive in your path and do not worry about the outcome. Whatever shall happen, shall be for the best.
Sure, there are going to be a few mistakes and therefore, resilience is learning to savor each flavor of life.
As Albus Dumbledore said “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times- only if one remembers to turn on the light” The light is resilience. The light is the self. The light is the Supreme.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me, lay an invincible summer”
Note: The below-mentioned links will guide you to tests that can give you an idea about your coping techniques, how resilient you are and what you can do to build resilience in life!
https://testyourself.psychtests.com/bin/transfer
https://www.totalbrain.com/mental-health-assessment/resilience-test/
About Kelp
Kelp was incorporated in 2013 to provide the best HR solutions to organizations, and to improve workplace culture across the board. Over the last 11 years, we have serviced more than 800 clients in India and a few overseas, across various industries in the areas of PoSH (prevention of sexual harassment at workplace), D, E & I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and EAP. But the common objective of all of these services is to build safer, happier, inclusive and productive workplaces.
For our services related to Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D,E &I) or Employee Assistance programs (EAP) do get in touch with us at info@kelphr.com, call +91-95001-29652 and our advisors will help you with customized offerings suited to your organization.
