Rooted not Shaken : Building Resilience through knowing who you are

Building resilience is not just about bouncing back from hardships but it’s about growing stronger through them. When you learn how to build resilience, you find the courage to face storms with confidence and emerge more rooted than shaken.

On the other side of storm, is the strength that comes from having navigated through it.
Raise your sail and begin. – Gregory Williams

Glenn, a little boy, was involved in a fire accident. At the hospital he was told that he was injured beyond recovery. Both of his legs were affected and he could barely walk with crutches.

One afternoon, in his backyard, he threw himself to the ground, slowly tried to pull himself up and did the same until he reached the fence. He continued to do the same until he could walk on his own without any aid.

He started walking slowly and then caught up speed, with his resilience and persistence.

He started to run races in his school. Then Glenn Cunningham participated in a race in New York City and came first!

He went on to become a well known sportsperson.

Glenn Cunningham overcame all his disabilities by building resilience and persistence.

We can also build resilience in tough circumstances in the following ways :

1) Know your identity

Understand who you are, know where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Build up on your strengths to overcome the challenge that you are facing

2) Be optimistic

While facing a dark period in life it is easy to spiral in a dark loop of negativism. But focussing on the positives, and knowing that no challenge is forever, goes a long way. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

3) Set your goals

While you are facing a challenge it is easy to be aimless. But setting definitive goals to overcome your challenge will help you to plan your next steps to overcome this challenge.

4) Build a strong network

Keep your relationship with Family and friends strong. Always keep in touch with people who lift you up.

5) Take Action

Instead of constantly worrying about what you are going through and going into the negative spiral. Take action to solve the problem, take the next stop and slowly the challenge would seem resolvable.

So buckle up, raise your sail and begin!