Resilience
By Sheila Thornton Warfield
I love the word Resilience. I remember a close friend calling me ‘resilient’ years ago because of my ability to bounce back from a bad relationship. While I didn’t quite appreciate the compliment, I was proud that I found the way to recover and move forward. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve come to hold this word and what it means in the highest esteem. As spiritual beings all we need to do is look at the world around us and we’ll see all of God’s creation manifesting ‘resilience’ everywhere with grace…
In a child’s ability to push through infant time
In the trees ability to sway back and forth during a strong wind yet returning to center
In young adults who may stumble and perhaps fall but always get back up and refuse to be beaten
In seniors who manage to hang on and remain prayerful when they have to say goodbye to so many loved ones on their long life’s journey
You see it in animals and their tenacity to be present and give you their love and attention regardless of the hurdles
You see it in athletic teams as they overcome challenges and frustrations to give it their all until the final whistle blows
You see resilience demonstrated every single day in different people when they show up to work in spite of grieving the loss of a loved one or a severed relationship or having family issues or struggling with financial matters or dealing with health issues. The resilience that resides in each of us is a reminder of how truly magnificence we are as spiritual beings. And, our potential is simply without limits.
You see it everywhere and it can be ever-present in each of us if we simply believe in our ability to endure, overcome and prevail for ‘Center’ IS always there. I believe it’s synonymous with our spirit, and it’s ever present and waiting for us to open ourselves to receive it---if we don’t talk ourselves out of it or adopt what others say or do as our template that is.
So, step back, recognize, and embrace your RESILIENCE. It will be reaffirming and it will provide you with the confidence to take that next step. For, YOU are Resilient!