Resilience

Resilience is the power or ability to recover readily from illness, depression or adversity. It is the ability to adapt to new and sometimes unwanted situations.

Why is resilience important? As a value resilience is of great significance as the human capacity to face and overcome adversity has been an essential component in the development of mankind. Indeed, it is fair to say that humans are often strengthened and empowered by adverse situations and experiences. Sometimes resilience is referred to as "bouncing back". It is not necessarily about being tough but rather demonstrates the ability to accept your feelings, to give yourself time and to look after yourself in a difficult situation or period.

In times of adversity we turn to God, a constant companion in our life journey. Asking God's help for intercession is something we all do in times of trouble. Sometime, the desired outcome does not eventuate, but through prayer it seems we are granted an acceptance and peace about our situation. Resilience and acceptance are closely linked. When we acknowledge and face our difficulties head on we can then call upon a reservoir of inner strength - our resilience and endurance.

Resilience is also about clarifying our visions and our values, and deciding what action is necessary to make our hopes and dreams a reality. Resilient people have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve, they know what is important to them and they invest their time and energy accordingly. At some stage or another in our lives we are all tested. There isn't a human alive who has not faced defeat. The question we must ask ourselves is not how are we to avoid pain? but rather, when sorrow comes how can we muster the resources to recover from pain? No one would wish misfortune on themselves. But suffering is a great teacher. It teaches us empathy, compassion and wisdom. Most of all it forces us to learn that we are much stronger than we ever suspected.