Resilience has been on my mind quite a bit these days, so since this is the first blog, I thought I’d start at the beginning of what I think determines how we’ll go through or in some cases get through life! By definition is Webster’s resilient means bouyant, elastic. I’ve seen other interpretations of the human condition as “finding new strength at times of stress.”
Personally I find a much more simple way to think about this quality in my life and those of family, friends, colleagues and of course, clients. Basically it’s not how we react to the many situations thrown out at us through the course of a day but how we choose to respond. Everything is about choices. We are the sum total of the choices we’ve made to date.
In most instances, it is best to stop worrying about what got you where you are and start focusing on you where you want to go. What are your options for getting there? What choices will you make? I’m facing these very things right now. After almost two years of care-giving for my beloved mother, she died in September. I miss her every day but realize that it is time to put one foot in front of another and get started or in many instances restarted on all the things that make me a complete and fulfilled person. I’ve had to dig deep to determine if my dreams are bigger than my fears.
Do I have the fortitude to jump-start my fitness goals? Will I compete in future marathons? Can I let go of friends long gone and find new ones? What about nurturing the friends and family that helped me through the challenge of care-giving? What is the plan for restarting my coaching practice? How will I re-establish my husband as a priority in my life? How will I trust God through whom all things are possible? What role will gratitude play in my quest for success?
As you can see the list is endless and can be overwhelming! I’m certain many of you reading this right now are facing many challenges. This is where resilience comes in. If you are motivated to make things better, to live the life you want and deserve, you will dig deep and find what you need to get on track. I’m counting on it! How about you?
An important thing to remember– you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to a friend, a family member, a mentor or a certified professional coach. One thing for certain, when you work with a coach there is no agenda except the one you set. I know because I am a coach; and the coach I have and will work with again was my best guide in getting me to the top of my game. Resilience, it’s all about choices!
Check out YouTube The 90 10 Principle by Stephen R Covey . Stephen Covey has a beautiful way of putting choices into perspective..
