Through these uncertain times, it has given me the opportunity to reflect and delve deeper into the term resiliency. In the past, I viewed resiliency according to its definition, describing it as “the ability to recover from or adjust easily to adversity or change” (Webster’s Dictionary). This term emphasizing the word easily, when that should not always be the case. People exhibit resiliency in various forms, some being as simple as reaching out to family and friends or, by calling counsellors in need of emotional support.
The COVID 19 pandemic has pushed us out of our daily routines and comfort zones, we are being forced to adapt to these new circumstances and roll with the punches of daily life. In the past few weeks, I have come across so many parents who have faced aversities stemming from financial issues from either being laid off or have been working overtime hours struggling to find a balance.
The core focus of a parent’s job now is expanding by taking on new roles, such as, supporting their children by becoming teachers, playmates and their only source of connection to the outside world. Another mode of resiliency can be seen through the older generation by learning new ways to connect with loved ones. Learning new technology to keep up with the changes the world has been constantly delivering is another mode of resiliency. There are many other examples that I have seen as everyone copes with the cards they have been dealt. People are pushing through these setbacks and creating their own solutions and that is a sign of strength.
The community at large has also shown resiliency by stepping up to support each other. Either it be from our essential workers and our front line staff, everyone is doing their part to deal with hardships at this time. I am proud to be a part of an organization that has recognized the need and has made changes to the ways we have delivered services. Instead of stalling or shutting down, we have been able to adapt to these new times and broaden our services helping more people than ever.
When we feel matters have spiraled out of control it can cause feelings of helplessness that can easily takes us to negative frame of mind. The skills we are building now can be used to help the next generation become more resilient to draw on our ability to take control and wrestle to make our own path to strive. In addition, in this process we are building a culture of support and empowerment that we can carry through and develop throughout our lives.
While the world has thrown an onslaught of problems our way, it is important to remember that we all cope and express resiliency in our own ways, with no one method better than the other. It all comes from a place of strength by being able to rely on others for help and support, and we, as individuals need to acknowledge that and have compassion for ourselves. Even if it may be uncomfortable to deal with, by understanding everyone is different and figuring out our own paths to adapting we will emerge even stronger than before.
