Resilience isn’t in my DNA, it is Developed Along the Way

Michelle Cushatt~ The only way to develop resilience is to be in circumstances that are hard enough that it requires resilience.

Resilience is comprised of three things~~acceptance, purpose and flexibility. It is important that we are honest with ourselves about how difficult or disappointing life can be at times. Not that we lose hope but just sit in the fact that it is not what I expected. If I look back at my hopes and dreams of how my life would unfold there are so many ways it exceeded my wildest dreams and ways it was beyond unbearable to live out. Being honest without rose colored glasses or a pity-party mentality is so important to being able to move through. The purpose part of resilience is recognizing in every circumstance I can support others whether to lift them up through a shared lose or celebrate a victory. Thirdly, being resilient means being flexible. If not flexible we could get in bed and cover up our head without hope. Things may not be what we thought they would be but there is hope in any circumstances as God uses life to lift others if I let Him. 

It is okay to accept and still be thankful in my circumstances whether they were on my life plan or not. I am learning is the way I am choosing to reframe even my self imposed missteps and the ones that were completely out of my control. Years ago I wrote about the first five pages in a journal before losing interest. While cleaning out my room, I found them and recognized that I wrote when I was angry, frustrated or sad. I quickly destroyed those books. I didn’t want my family to come across them any think they represented my view of life. Who wants to be remembered as a bitter, cursing person? Not me! 

Now I can say I am honored that  those who love me will have my words on this platform to see the colors of my life, all the colors not just the blacks and grays. For this I am grateful that my life, all of it, has purpose when I can accept and be flexible enough to take the detours when they come up. Sharing the lessons along the way with honesty is quite a purpose and keeps me resilient for the next steps.