Day 7 - 50 -- Resiliency

Health researchers have linked the construct of resilience with improved health outcome. It plays a central role in recovery from acute illness and management of chronic illness. It is often seen as the ability to recover from any adverse life event. Some health research highlighted the resilience of women, who are socialized to support each other -- a coping strategy for dealing with negative stresses. That doesn't mean that men do not exhibit resilience -- quite the opposite. All adults exercise a certain degree of action to protect themselves (and others) from adverse outcomes of crises. The skill and ability involved in practicing resilience are learned early in life and honed as we age.

Resilient people are often called strong, tough, or adaptable. They recognize the need to accept challenging situations and work with, not against, the threat. Addressing such crises in this manner should lead to learning to live constructively with change. A quote by the German philosopher, Nietzsche -- 'That which does not kill us makes us strong' -- clearly notes the strength that can come from managing adversity well.  Some days the necessary problem solving skills may feel inadequate but equipping oneself with the necessary knowledge and behaviors can mitigate the negative outcomes. It helps us to do our best, even should things not go the way we hope. Myriad emotions converge when one is threatened in some way. Resilience helps us to work through these emotions and focus on the problem at hand rather than how it makes us feel. We do need to acknowledge those feelings, but not to allow them to drive the bus. It can take a lot of fortitude, which could be behind the common synonym "strong" for someone who manages to survive life's nasty episodes. We should understand though, that even 'strong' people need some support from their friends and family. <smile>

A song that fits the topic today is by a wonderful vocal group. Their harmonies are wonderful, much like those of their famous musical parents.  Enjoy!

Hold On -- Wilson Phillips