If I could sum up in one word a valuable life lesson my parents taught me, that word would be resilience.
Resilience is the ability to "bounce back" after a difficult situation. When knocked off course by the loss of a job, failed relationship, death of a loved one, or other change in circumstances; it can be easy to sink into the quicksand of emotional despair.
When things go wrong, we often feel immobilized. Has this happened to you?
Resilience keeps one on the path to finding whatever they seek.
My parents often share stories of when they were a young couple. Growing up there were six people in our family. This meant many sacrifices were made and difficulties endured. Trying to work full-time jobs and keep my siblings and I fed was a seemingly never ending task for my parents. Our extended family lived in other states. Childcare was always a challenge as my brother and I are 10+ years younger than our older siblings. Our Sisters would watch us on occasion or we would be taken to a familiar neighbors home. Now as a parent myself I can appreciate the resilience needed to continue searching for adequate child care.
Watching my parents navigate adult life has allowed me to understand how to approach situations in my own life. As a Fireman my Father would share stories on occasion. These stories while shocking at times always reminded me to never give up. The bravery, commitment, and team spirit that these professionals have saves lives. Amazing!
What life skill did you keep from lessons your parents taught?
When my kids have give through difficult emotional or physical times I have reminded them off party difficult times they weathered. Resiliency is like a muscle that needs training to grow and expand in my opinion. I used a particularly difficult time my son has when dealing with a compound fracture to remind him he could and would get over a sad love affair gone wrong when he was in college. We all need reminding that hard things are not new.
Resiliency is like a muscle. So true Heidi!