Weathering the Storms: How Do We Find Resilience in the Face of Adversity?
Giving can help shift your focus.
We can Support each other.
Finding Resilience in a hard world.
We live in a world that often feels like it's spinning out of control. Many of us face the daily personal challenges of living with chronic health conditions. Now we are also trying to find our footing in the relentless churn of our political climate. We are experiencing daily fears about losing essential social programs, healthcare, public education for our children, disability accommodations and support of the scientific research that brings treatments and hope.
Adversity and uncertainty seem to be a constant companion to us. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to lose sight of hope, and to succumb to the weight of it all. But even in the midst of chaos, resilience is possible. It is important because resilience brings strength to our voices, allows us to stand for what we believe in and to find our courage. We must not hide from the challenges or ignore them. Instead, we must find ways to navigate them, to grow, and to thrive despite them.
I’d like to share three key concepts that have been helpful in building my own resilience: giving, gathering and growing. These ideas are practical tools that can help us find our footing in difficult times.
Find Strength through connection.
Empower yourself by sharing your values.
1. Giving to Others: Finding Strength in Connection
It might seem counterintuitive to focus on giving when you're struggling yourself. It is surprisingly empowering though. Reaching out to help others, especially when we are struggling, shifts our focus away from our own problems. It reminds us that we're part of a larger community and brings us a fresh perspective.
In the early years of coping with severe symptoms associated with my mitochondrial disease, I had become depressed and suicidal. I had been stuck in bed for months on end after multiple severe reactions to medications. I was forced to drop out of college and move back in with my parents. I didn’t want to continue living in severe pain, dependent on others and unable to care for myself in very basic ways. One day, I knew I needed to make a shift away from thinking about my situation day in and day out. The pain and monotony of it was too much.
I asked my mother to take me in to visit some assisted living centers in town. I gathered several of my childhood stuffed animals, balloons and flowers. We took them to the assisted living centers to share with the residents there. It was just a small act of sharing my time and little gifts but it really helped me shift my focus away from my illness and pain.
The people with disabilities and elderly residents who I visited were immensely grateful and joyful to see me. We exchanged stories and hugs. It was one of the first times I used my wheelchair out in public. Although it took a lot of my energy and some creative effort, this activity was a turning point in my acceptance of my disabilities. It gave me a new perspective that I needed to move forward in healing and coping with my chronic illness.
How can you apply the concept of giving in your life? Here are some ideas…
Volunteer your time at a local charity.
Offer a listening ear to a friend who is struggling.
Donate to a cause you believe in.
Even a simple act of kindness, like a genuine compliment, can make a difference.
In our recently more polarized political landscape, giving can mean engaging in constructive dialogue, finding common ground, and supporting those who are marginalized. When facing chronic health issues or a disability, it can mean sharing your experiences and offering support to others who understand. You might volunteer to moderate a support group or help out at a local rehabilitation center. Giving creates a sense of purpose and connection, reminding us that we're not alone in our struggles.
Gather Resources.
Knowledge is empowering .
2. Gathering Information: Empowering Yourself Through Knowledge
Adversity often becomes overwhelming in the shadows of uncertainty. Many hours of my life have been spent sitting in university libraries, reading journal articles and flipping pages of books. I learned about my diagnoses and how to treat my symptoms. I found everything I could about medications, therapies and alternative treatment options and I tried everything that made good sense to me.
Sometimes my symptoms have been difficult for doctors to treat and it took thirty-three years of living before I was given an accurate underlying diagnosis. Throughout the years, my process of gathering and researching has shifted away from sitting among the library stacks reading to making google my new friend. I remember sharing resources on my first website as I typed out the html language myself in 1996. Now we have voice to text and AI to bring knowledge straight to us without the hike to the library.
By continuing to seek answers, research and learn as much as I can, I have found ways to live longer with my health conditions. Actively seeking out information and resources allows us to reclaim a sense of control. Acquiring knowledge empowers us with helpful answers and support. As we build our knowledge base, we can become our own advocates and make our voices heard. Sharing and learning together also strengthens community and supports positive change.
How do we optimally gather information?
Stay informed about current events from a variety of reputable sources.
Use your strengths to learn in a way that works best for you.
Research your chronic health condition and explore treatment options.
Seek out mental health resources and support groups.
Learn new skills that can help you navigate challenges.
Begin to apply your knowledge to make changes that will help your health, your well-being and your community.
When dealing with chronic illness, gathering resources means becoming an advocate for your own health. When navigating your more worldly concerns, this means understanding the issues and participating in informed civic engagement. Knowledge is power, and by arming ourselves with information, we can make informed decisions and take proactive steps to improve our situation.
Self Care is not a luxury.
Caring for ourselves brings resilience, strength and hope.
3. Growing: Self-Care to Nurture Your Inner Strengths
When we are struggling or times are difficult, self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Growing is the opportunity to apply our knowledge and resources to care for ourselves. Here are some ideas for growing forward with self-care.
Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
Prioritize your healthcare and accommodations you need.
Practice mindfulness and meditation.
Engage in activities that bring you joy.
Spend time in nature.
Set boundaries and learn to say no.
Seek professional mental health help when needed.
It is important that when news becomes overwhelming to take breaks from reading and watching media. Instead, engage in activities that restore your sense of peace. When managing chronic illness, prioritize your physical and emotional well-being and listen to what your body needs. Pay attention to the need to pace yourself. Growing forward is about coping effectively with our challenges by creating space for healing and renewal.
Resilience is a Journey
Building resilience is an ongoing process. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way. By embracing these three concepts—giving, gathering, and growing—we can cultivate the strength and courage to navigate our adversities successfully.
Remember, you are not defined by your struggles. You are capable of coping effectively with your challenges and creating a life of meaning and purpose. By focusing on giving, gathering, and growing, we can find our footing and move forward with resilience and hope.
