"That which does not destroy, strengthens." Nietzsche
aka "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger."
or "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
What do these quotes really mean? Perhaps the virtue all these sayings point to is resilience.
After a recent meeting with someone I've known for almost three decades, (that included catching up on the eventful recent months of my life) she sent me an email admiring my resilience. It called me to a new appreciation of the journey of my life and a new appreciation of the alchemical process that potentially turns our challenges into opportunity for growth. And to a new recognition of a core virtue I hadn't consciously realized I have.
I had shared that a long standing betrayal pattern in my life since childhood had played itself out yet again. Causing trauma both fresh (and triggering old) not only to myself, but to my family and even some friends.
Considering how blindsided, shocky and shaky I've felt inside, it was amazing to be acknowledged for resilience.
What is resilience and how does it apply when life hits us with its harshest adversity?
"Resilience is the strength of spirit to recover from adversity. When we experience disappointment, loss, or tragedy, we find the hope and courage to carry on. Humor lightens the load when it seems too heavy. We overcome obstacles by tapping into a deep well of faith and endurance. At times of loss, we come together for comfort. We grieve and then move on. We create new memories. We discern the learning that can come from hardship. We don't cower in the face of challenge. We engage fully in the dance of life." Linda Kavelin Popov
Reading these words helped me realize that I am resilient. I'm a survivor. And even though its hard to find the humor in this situation, I am exactly where I must be given the circumstances -- grieving a traumatic loss -- in the process of moving on.
To have someone I rarely see and don't know that well recognize my resilience made all the difference in my perspective and called me to tap more deeply into the well of faith and endurance deep within.
Once again life didn't turn out the way I planned. Once again I have an opportunity -- to become stronger in the broken places.
When you face one of life's inevitable heartaches, may you draw on your own deep well of resilience and keep on keeping on.
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Resilience
When trouble comes, I stay strong
I have the flexibility to bounce back.
I have the faith to overcome.
I find comfort in community.
I trust hardship to cultivate my character.
I fully engage in living.
I am thankful for the gift of Resilience. It keeps me growing.
Reflection Questions
How can I tap into the deep well of faith and endurance within?
What do I need to learn?
What gives me the hope to carry on when blindsided by life's heartaches?
Who is my community and what would help me reach out to them in times of trouble?
aka "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger."
or "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
What do these quotes really mean? Perhaps the virtue all these sayings point to is resilience.
After a recent meeting with someone I've known for almost three decades, (that included catching up on the eventful recent months of my life) she sent me an email admiring my resilience. It called me to a new appreciation of the journey of my life and a new appreciation of the alchemical process that potentially turns our challenges into opportunity for growth. And to a new recognition of a core virtue I hadn't consciously realized I have.
I had shared that a long standing betrayal pattern in my life since childhood had played itself out yet again. Causing trauma both fresh (and triggering old) not only to myself, but to my family and even some friends.
Considering how blindsided, shocky and shaky I've felt inside, it was amazing to be acknowledged for resilience.
What is resilience and how does it apply when life hits us with its harshest adversity?
"Resilience is the strength of spirit to recover from adversity. When we experience disappointment, loss, or tragedy, we find the hope and courage to carry on. Humor lightens the load when it seems too heavy. We overcome obstacles by tapping into a deep well of faith and endurance. At times of loss, we come together for comfort. We grieve and then move on. We create new memories. We discern the learning that can come from hardship. We don't cower in the face of challenge. We engage fully in the dance of life." Linda Kavelin Popov
Reading these words helped me realize that I am resilient. I'm a survivor. And even though its hard to find the humor in this situation, I am exactly where I must be given the circumstances -- grieving a traumatic loss -- in the process of moving on.
To have someone I rarely see and don't know that well recognize my resilience made all the difference in my perspective and called me to tap more deeply into the well of faith and endurance deep within.
Once again life didn't turn out the way I planned. Once again I have an opportunity -- to become stronger in the broken places.
When you face one of life's inevitable heartaches, may you draw on your own deep well of resilience and keep on keeping on.
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Resilience
When trouble comes, I stay strong
I have the flexibility to bounce back.
I have the faith to overcome.
I find comfort in community.
I trust hardship to cultivate my character.
I fully engage in living.
I am thankful for the gift of Resilience. It keeps me growing.
Reflection Questions
How can I tap into the deep well of faith and endurance within?
What do I need to learn?
What gives me the hope to carry on when blindsided by life's heartaches?
Who is my community and what would help me reach out to them in times of trouble?
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