Resiliency: How to Thrive and Feel Alive

Often people wondered how I could be so positive when so many hard things occurred in my life. For years, I thought if I could just bottle up my tenacity, I could help others avoid the pain that often accompanies experience. The problem was I had no idea how or why I functioned so effortlessly. My strength was an automatic, innate impulse, which drove my spirit. To find answers, I started paying attention—focusing on my mind and body to see where this drive toward resiliency stemmed from. Repeatedly after each event, I noticed how I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and kept moving forward—never wavering. My conclusion was acceptance of what is. I never argued with reality. Instead, I found that relenting my power gave me power. Each and every time I respected that I had no control during these difficult situations, the stronger I became. I was fearless and unstoppable.  Rather than asking why I had to endure these unpleasant times I chose to see the lessons. I took these moments and learned from them. Now, I want to share these epiphanies so others have the tools to cope more healthily.  It’s not what happens to you that matters as much as it is your interpretations. You can choose to embrace all that is negative or you can use the knowledge to strengthen your life. You decide.