“When we resist the urge to respond impulsively,
and plant ourselves in our center
as opposed to grasping at straws outside ourselves,
we tap into a wellspring of inner fortitude.”
— Sol Luckman
• Is there any event, news, or situation that has your amygdala triggered?
There is so much happening in the world presently and over the past five years that might affect you to want to fight back and use a level of force that isn’t your natural state. Or cause you to avoid it all and run for the hills. Or even feel paralyzed and overwhelmed about what to do. If so, you are very human.
If you are witnessing this from those around you, extend them some grace. Include yourself in this positive self-talk and compassionate response. Collectively our need for resilience is being stretched by everything.
I have had a personal experience that could fit into the category of trauma. I am actively and intentionally working to keep my values and attitude in place and resist the temptation to fight back, flight and run away, or freeze and avoid all action by burying myself in Netflix binge watching, scrolling, emotional eating, or plain procrastination. Instead I am embracing ‘Figure it out’. I am doing this with boatloads of coaching from friends and colleagues.
My bucket of lessons is overflowing in a positive way. I am energized and focused.
And yes, many people have shared this truism: “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.”
I like to turn to a favorite book, Victor Frankle’s “Man’s Search for Meaning.”
I hadn’t noticed that my reserve of resiliency had been depleted. The daily barrage of emails (more than 1,000 each day) and the confluence of so many challenges had left me used up and not so available to myself and others.
I can enthusiastically say, “I am back.” I have more things to learn and contribute. I anticipate more stormy times ahead of us. Yet, I am renewed and confident about stepping up and out, asking for and giving assistance; connecting with others as my way of coping.
Of course, I still have a list for each day, a focus, a desire to contribute, and today, a renewed energy and voice.
• How about you?
• How are you doing?
• What is your resilience level?
• Want to do something fun and renewing?
May the leap into a new year bring joy into your life!
Leslie
“There are no creatures that walk the earth,
not even those animals we have labelled cowards,
which will not show courage
when required to defend themselves.”
―
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