Resiliency and Thriving

People are going through tough situations and tough times.  Seeds of doubt, fear and uncertainty seems to penetrate our spirits.  And yet some people seem to just have the knack of bouncing right back.

 My parents have all been examples of this "can do" attitude and spirit for me.  It began with those pioneers and homesteaders and continues through today.  So what makes some people not just survive but thrive?  Do some people just have the knack?  Or do they just decide they will survive and thrive?

Does practice play into our ability to thrive and bounce back? 

My son who is training to be a SERE instructor said one of the most important skills needed to survive is the will to.  The confidence and the determination that no matter what, I will get through this.

Surviving and thriving is not just for someone lost in a forest or for a brave young service man or woman to do...rather it is something that we are all responsible for.  If we live on earth, then we are behind enemy lines.  WE determine not just to survive but to thrive and to serve.

The determination to survive and thrive cannot be underestimated.  No flopping down on the ground.  Rather plodding on and digging deep.  Praying with every agonizing step forward.

We need to build resiliency in our lives and in the lives of our children.  It doesn't just happen.

Resiliency:  able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching or being compressed.  Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult situations.

So for some Expert Advice Mayo Clinic suggest the following tips:

"If you'd like to become more resilient, consider these tips:

• Get connected. Building strong, positive relationships with loved ones and friends can provide you with needed support and acceptance in both good times and bad. Establish other important connections by doing volunteer work, getting involved in your community, or joining a faith or spiritual community.
• Make every day meaningful. Do something that gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose every day. Set goals to help you look toward the future with meaning.
• Learn from experience. Think back on how you've coped with hardships in the past. Consider the skills and strategies that helped you through rough times. You might even write about past experiences in a journal to help you identify both positive and negative behavior patterns — and guide your behavior in the future.
• Remain hopeful. You can't change what's happened in the past, but you can always look toward the future. Accepting and even anticipating change makes it easier to adapt and view new challenges with less anxiety.
• Take care of yourself. Tend to your own needs and feelings, both physically and emotionally. Participate in activities and hobbies you enjoy. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Get plenty of sleep. Eat a healthy diet. To restore an inner sense of peace or calm, practice stress management and relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing or prayer.
• Be proactive. Don't ignore your problems or try to wish them away. Instead, figure out what needs to be done, make a plan and take action. Although it can take time to recover from a major setback, traumatic event or loss, know that your situation can improve if you actively work at it."