Don't Be A Casualty!
It started as a normal day. I got up. I took a shower and got ready for work. I did my quiet time and fixed myself breakfast. Then I moved into my home office to get work done. Probably sounds a lot like what most of us are doing these days.
However, before noon, I was laying on the floor frustrated with my progress and feeling like I was a casualty in this COVID chaos. Simply beaten down by the inertia, the cancelations and the inability to control anything! And then along came one of my kiddos to help save the day and set me on a better path.
My kiddo caught me in a very vulnerable moment. A moment where I had stopped being strong and stopped simply pressing forward. Not my proudest moment. But a crucial moment nonetheless.
Researcher and storyteller Brene Brown shares, “vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”
I’d like to tell you that I had the courage to get back to it on my own. But I didn’t. Instead, it took a random act of complete silliness to help me to recover. It is what ignited my resilience. Reminding me of what I know to be true:
I HAVE people around me I trust and who love me, no matter what
I AM sure things will be all right (different but still all right)
I CAN find ways to solve problems that I face
These three simple statements represent three fundamental components in our ability to be resilient. They represent external supports and resources, inner strength, and social/interpersonal skills*. As we all strive to be resilient through these uncertain times, go back to the fundamentals.
Rely on your external supports and resources. Touch base with family, friends and colleagues (even if it’s weird to be virtual).
Draw on your inner strengths. Think back over the last five years and acknowledge times when you were resilient.
Brainstorm solutions, seek wise counsel and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Stay safe and healthy!
Susan
PS. To those in health care, law enforcement, social services, our groceries stores and pharmacies or have loved ones who work in these areas --- THANK YOU! Your battle is so much tougher than mine. I pray you are blessed beyond measure for all you are doing for our community and world!
*Grotberg, Edith, “A guide to promoting resilience in children: strengthening the human spirit.” The International Resilience Project, Bernard van Leer Foundation.
Susan Rozzi is the president of Rozzi and Associates, a leadership and organizational development company helping good leaders become great! Our programs start with the premise that great leadership skills are a product of time, practice and focused development. Our leadership development, emotional intelligence insight and career management programs can be customized to meet your desired outcomes and needs. Contact Susan at susan@rozziandassociates.com.