The Word of the Season…
Thanksgiving is just 4 days away and of course it’s the season to acknowledge what we’re thankful for – and yes, absolutely, do that! Calling out what we’re grateful for can help when we’re feeling a bit unsure of ourselves – which may be right now for you, especially following the election results and what it might mean for you, for all of us.
One word captures how I choose to make sense of all of it, invokes the spirit of Thanksgiving and perhaps offers something valuable for you as 2024 begins to close: RESILIENCE.
Here’s why: Psychologists define resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress ….” Amazingly, as much as resilience involves “bouncing back” from these difficult experiences, it can also involve profound personal growth. And, for a dose of optimism here, it turns out that resiliency can be learned!
Whether your own personal adversity shows up around political realities, or your work or home life, or all of it, I’d like to offer a resilience toolkit to try to test and flex our resiliency muscle.
Before you read on –
Write down at least one significant source of stress for yourself. It could be a career, job, or home issue, or something else.
For each suggestion below, see if and how it might help you feel more resilient in coping with the stress factor(s).
NOTE: I share these suggestions even as focusing too much on resilience may blind us to the need to prevent or fix the problems that caused the trauma in the first place. We should view resilience as a way we adapt to trouble or scarcity—and not as a systemic solution.
RESILIENCY TOOLKIT
1.) Honor Where You’re At. While modern mindfulness often drifts from its ancient roots, bringing awareness to our thoughts, bodies, and emotions—naming feelings like fear or anger and recognizing where they manifest physically—can restore a sense of agency. Speaking our worst-case worries aloud and imagining step-by-step responses can reality-check our fears and temper their intensity.
2.) Seek Clarity While Embracing Ambiguity. When adversity strikes, channel the serenity prayer (religious or secular): "Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." This wisdom helps us move forward when feeling stuck. Embracing ambiguity means practicing “both/and” thinking— balancing negatives with positives to avoid being paralyzed by anger or grief.
3.) Harness Resources for Well-Being. Resist going it alone. Lean on allies, family (biological or chosen), and communities. Show up with vulnerability and seek support to explore new possibilities. Small actions — decluttering, walking in nature, or listening to music — offer emotional resets. Others might find meaning in larger acts, including activism, to create purpose and pathways forward.
To my core I believe that how we show up – when events occur that rock our world – is the ultimate test of our character. To my core I believe each of us has it in ourselves the capacity for resilience, and I wish for you this season that gift.
If you find yourself struggling, I hope you will reach out. You are not alone, and I have resources to help, including my self-FULL assessment.
On this pre-Thanksgiving Sunday, I want to thank you for reading Em’s E-Musings and sharing your reflections. To my clients, I’m deeply grateful for the honor of working with you and supporting your journey.