Building Resilience

Stay Connected and Offer Support – Resiliency

First let’s be honest: resilience is really survival with the best possible outcome under the current circumstances. We talk about helping our children (sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren…) to develop resilience. The best way to accomplish that is to model resilience. So, we need to build our own resilience and acknowledge our own journey. How did we survive? What could we do to create stronger survival skills? What is the best way to model and share those skills?

Connections – with those who support you in your journey: who are there to pick you up if you fall; who want to see you succeed; who not only acknowledge your differences, but, embraces them; and who are willing to forgive you: and to be with those who love you unconditionally and who you love too. To love and to be loved.

Competence – is: knowing and doing what is right; being willing to admit the need for and make change when it is needed; self-acceptance; and knowing that we can get up when we fall. To know the truth and to speak the truth.

Confidence – is knowing: we can find our way on our own or with the help of others; we are unique with our own unique ways; and that we can and will get up if we fall. To have the bravery to follow your own path.

Character – being willing to learn right from wrong and take the right path; being honest and willing to change if you learn a new truth; and to admit any misunderstanding. To be honest with yourself and with others.

Contribution – giving to your family, your community, and others with caring and respect. To respect all of creation.

Coping – learning to handle all that comes your way challenging and rewarding using all your skills and knowledge in a good way. To meet life with humility.

Control – wisely taking responsibility and finding your direction while offering your gifts. To be led by wisdom.

Cynthia Alexandrea Lei-Nako