RESILIENCE - PART 2: The bloodstream of Hope


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Last week we reviewed 4 examples of souls who are epitomes of RESILIENCE. There are many many more similar cases - if not more poignant! But these four came to my mind immediately I started writing ...

So why is resilience so important? Simple - because it is the bloodstream of HOPE. We build resilience because we have hope and want to give hope to our loved ones to live a more fulfilling life. A more comfortable life. An enjoyable life - but all this in accordance with HIS will and commands. 

And without hope; life has no purpose! 
Keep in mind that the underlying reason behind most suicides is hopelessness.

So how do we build resilience in our lives? Here is jumble of ideas which I relate to.

Whether you are Royal blood or a humble person like 99.99999% of human beings on earth; life will throw challenges at you - from expected and unexpected angles. Some will be major life-changing events, and some will be minor irritants! 
Whichever; large or small - everyone of us will face these!

There is no discrimination in this! 
In spite each one of us often thinking that life throws us an unfair share of challenges or bad luck or poor karma - as Orientals would allude to.

We all go through this. 
It's part of life. 
It's been written. 
Maktub! 
The pens have been lifted and the ink is dry!

So, what's the point of resilience?

Life is a path.
We all must tread the path, go through with the journey until our time is up.... this is life!

And how we endure the path, the journey --- will govern the quality of our life. 

This is not Maktub! 
This depends on us. This is in our hands.
We map and determine how we react, respond or tackle each and every hurdle. 
And just like in the seas and oceans; the waves of life will never stop - but we individually decide and determine how to surf each and every wave - which the ocean of life throws at us! 
And this indeed is the examination we must all go through!

Whilst it's true that life is a terminal disease which will result in death, let us tread the path!
Enjoy the path, the ride, the surfing, the journey, the process...life itself!

Three critical words. Faith. Hope. Resilience. 
We must first have faith in ALLAH, GOD or by whatever name you call our Divine Provider! 
This faith gives us hope to reach our destination safely. 
This faith gives us purpose to live. This faith gives us hope. 
And now that we have hope, then we must build resilience to face the challenges. 
The waves are the spice of life. And resilience is our act of surfing these waves - navigating life itself!
 
Its bittersweet! It's painful while going through some difficulty but once we overcome it then it's so sweet. 
It's here and throughout the process that we must not forget to be grateful to HIM - constantly!!!

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness." Timothy 4: 7-8. 

We often read this biblical verse in obituaries - this is the essence of Faith, Hope and Resilience. 
In other words, righteousness depends on these!
And may I add that righteousness does not depend on ephemeral inconsequential titles such as sheikh or pastor or declarations that I am a monk, or a practicing Muslim or I am saved!

Ok - back to earth now!

So here is a summary of what I have gathered from the net and other sources (other sources - meaning my own opinions 😊😊😊) -- for your consumption and practice:



Key Strategies to Build Resilience

  1. Foster Meaningful Connections: Cultivating strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Engaging with trusted individuals allows you to share experiences and gain perspective during tough times.
  2. Develop a Positive Outlook: Maintaining a positive mindset helps you view challenges as opportunities for growth. Practice gratitude and focus on your strengths to enhance your resilience 
  3. Embrace Change: Accept that change is a natural part of life. By welcoming new experiences and adapting to them, you can build flexibility and resilience. Shift your perspective to see change as a chance to learn and grow.
  4. Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. Taking care of your body and mind is crucial for building resilience.
  5. Acknowledge and Process Emotions: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. Recognizing your feelings is essential for healing and moving forward. This process helps you understand your reactions and develop coping strategies 
  6. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your objectives into manageable steps. Setting achievable goals can provide direction and a sense of accomplishment, which boosts your confidence and resilience 
  7. Learn from Failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities. Reflect on your experiences, identify lessons, and apply them to future challenges. This mindset fosters growth and resilience 
  8. Seek Professional Help: If needed, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. Therapists and counselors can provide guidance and strategies tailored to your specific situation 
  9. Engage in Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded and manage stress effectively. Regular meditation can improve your emotional regulation and resilience.  


By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can enhance your resilience and better navigate the ups and downs of life. Resilience is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed over time through intentional practice and self-reflection.

May I now acknowledge that each one of us has in his/her life; resilient relatives, siblings, parents, friends and accomplices who are examples of resilience. 
Life has more-than-once dealt them a poor hand - yet they smile and face the next day with hope and faith.
It's worthwhile seeing how they maneuver the waves! And even more worthwhile to pick their good points and put into practice.

In my own life I can proudly name my own siblings and loved ones with super-strengthened-steel-resilience. And yet when we meet they are all smiles as though all is 100% OK .... this is RESILIENCE ... and this is how it ought to be!


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