Exploring Resilience

Today, we dive deep into the theme of resilience, particularly emphasizing the role of our emotions.

Did you know the term ‘resilience’ originally rose to prominence as scientists studied the relationships among living organisms and their physical environments? Then it referred to an ecosystem’s ability to recover and prevent damage when disturbed. Over the last 20 years, the concept of resilience evolved  from a pathological focus to an exploration of how we can develop and nurture it. Just as an ecosystem reacts to disturbances, human resilience isn’t about returning to our original state but learning and changing from experience. In today’s world, resilience often refers to our ability to adapt, despite adversities such as trauma, tragedy, or various situational stressors.

Understanding the Essence of Resilience

When we speak of resilience, we’re referring to that beautiful, innate strength within us that allows us to navigate life’s hurdles and it works best when it’s more than just  overcoming adversity. When we intentionally reflect and  draw on our experiences, both good and bad, we  emerge stronger, wiser, and more balanced. Fully embracing resilience can foster an enhanced sense of well-being and life satisfaction, equips us with the tools to handle stress and recover more efficiently from stressful events, and protects us from conditions like depression and anxiety. Moreover, it promotes better physical health and bolsters our determination, enabling us to persist and achieve our goals despite adversity.

Most success stories are a testament to resilience. Success isn’t merely about being smart or having an easier life. Think about basketball players practicing a shot repeatedly or entrepreneurs facing multiple rejections before a breakthrough. Resilience is a mix of character, learned behaviors, and factors like biology, environment, age, and family influences. Life experiences, circumstances, and our nurtured environments significantly shape this resilience.

It’s also important to note that resilience doesn’t mean avoiding adversity. Facing challenges head-on and experiencing setbacks actually helps to strengthen our resilience further, as these experiences provide learning opportunities. For example, possessing an infectious optimism or constantly seeking solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Flexibility is commendable, allowing you to effortlessly adapt to new and unforeseen challenges, not just by being empathetic but also understanding others deeply and valuing the connection.

Finally, resilience isn’t just a trait some of us are born with; it’s a skill that can be cultivated. Embracing challenges with a growth mindset transforms hurdles into stepping stones. Prioritizing emotional awareness ensures we process our emotions effectively, leading to a healthier mental state. Just as plants need water, our minds and bodies require regular self-care. It’s essential to recognize our limits, set boundaries where necessary, and avoid seeking support when it gets tough. Remember, every experience, good or bad, is a lesson. Lifelong learning is the key to building and maintaining resilience.

Having established the importance of resilience, a pertinent question arises: How do our emotions tie into this? The answer lies in the heart of the human experience.

Emotions and Resilience: Why Talk About It?

Emotions are at the core of our beings and the language of our internal world. Recognizing and understanding our emotional triggers and stressors help us to develop coping mechanisms essential for resilience. Sharing our emotions, whether joy or sorrow, allows us to deepen our connections with others, fostering supportive relationships. Moreover, having a firm grasp on our emotional state aids in making balanced decisions and paves the way for personal growth.

However, emotions can be tricky. Beyond the basic feelings of happiness, sadness, or anger, delving deeper into emotions can be challenging. Have you ever found it hard to articulate what you’re feeling clearly? That’s where tools like the Feelings Wheel come into play. 

Activity Alert!

        1. Sit for a minute (60 seconds) and reflect on your present emotions.

        2. Examine the Feelings Wheel (see picture). 

        3. What word(s) resonated with your emotions?

        4. Were you able to identify more emotions than you initially thought? 

        5. Did the colors guide you? 

        6. Which colors did you connect with?

If we cannot understand what we’re feeling or feel uncomfortable or unsafe expressing our feelings, we’ll go into survival mode. Instead of expressing our thoughts, we may turn our feelings inward (i.e., depression) or outwards (i.e., anger).

In Closing

Understanding resilience and its intertwined relationship with emotions is a deep and transformative journey. As we’ve explored, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from challenges but more about growing, evolving, and learning from them. Our emotions, as complex and profound as they are, serve as the compass guiding us on this journey. By understanding and embracing them, we fortify our resilience and enhance our ability to face life’s challenges head-on.

It’s crucial to remember that resilience is not a static trait but an evolving skill. We can cultivate and strengthen our resilience by continually nurturing our emotional intelligence, engaging in self-awareness, and actively seeking support when needed. As we move forward, let’s remember to celebrate our triumphs and embrace our setbacks, for they are the building blocks of our resilience. Let’s prioritize understanding our emotions, which are the key to our inner strength and well-being. 

Here’s to a journey of self-discovery, growth, and unwavering resilience! Remember to stay strong, stay connected, and always keep learning. If you would like to continue checking in with your emotions. I invite you to either set a reminder on your phone titled, “What am I feeling?” or, for iOS users, check out the “How We Feel” app. And Android users can explore the “Moodfit” app for a blend of meditation exercises and mood tracking.