What we might call “bouncing back,” “rolling with the punches,” or “bending so we don’t break,” psychologists define as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, or significant stress. These problems can include family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors. It sure feels like COVID-19 has hit us in all of these sections of the society.
With no real end in sight, we are finding ourselves called to be stronger and braver than we’ve ever thought possible. If we’re totally honest, however, there are times when it all just seems to be getting the best of us. We have moments when we feel beaten down, exhausted, stressed, and ready to break. Yet somehow, we make it through to the next moment. We find a way to carry on and even thrive.
The good news is that resilience is something that actually can be built with effort. Every time we face a new challenge and succeed, we are building confidence in our own mental strength and flexibility. So much of resilience has to do with how we frame the issues we face, that remaining hopeful and positive is a vital aspect of overcoming obstacles.
