Creating a Resilient Life: Grace, Growth, and a Good Laugh Along the Way

Last week I had the wonderful and life affirming opportunity to cook bacon jam, banana muffins, snickerdoodle hummus – among other things for a “Brunch Charcuterie Board” with a during a Nourish and Flourish event.  The topic was “Creating a Resilient Life.”  And yes, bacon jam is as good as it sounds! But even yummier, was the opportunity to listen and learn from folks I hadn’t met until then.  Here are my reflections.

Firstly, resilience isn’t about muscling through life’s challenges with a stiff upper lip—it’s about learning, adapting, and giving ourselves grace as we go. This year, I have been blessed with my share of opportunities to practice. Between removal of my thyroid and knee replacement surgery, my body and spirit have both demanded that I slow down, listen, and grow. And let me tell you—resilience looks a whole lot different when you’re icing a knee and praying your hair grows back!

As I listened to these folks share work, health or emotional struggles, it reinforced my belief that self-awareness is the first and most powerful step toward resilience. It’s about tuning in to what’s really going on inside… taking time to honestly assess ourselves,  emotionally, physically, and spiritually; then choosing to respond rather than react to our needs. When I learned to really listen to my body and my heart, I discovered that healing isn’t linear. It’s lumpy, unpredictable, painful and sometimes hilarious. But it’s also beautiful.

Another thing that became clear was how the ability to stay open to learning is vital. Every challenge has something to teach if we’re willing to see it. My surgeries taught me patience (still working on that one), the importance of asking for help (not my natural strength), and a deep abiding appreciation of how gratitude changes everything. Even on hard days, there’s always something to be thankful for – like my sister who gives me the requested “6 corn chips”,  the friend who shows up with Diet Coke (with just the right amount of ice and lime) or my husband who makes you laugh at 2 a.m. Each of us in the group were able to share repeatedly how walking away with the lesson made the struggle worth it. (Isn’t hindsight wonderful!?!)

And then there’s the big V -  vulnerability!  The thing I advocate all over the place, yet am sometimes resistant to open up to others, as I don’t want to appear unable, less than, not capable, and even sometimes stop myself because, I want to be the one other’s lean into – not the one who needs to lean in. Yet when I put on my big girl pants – which isn’t easy when your knee doesn’t bend the way it used to… and began sharing my story, I found others opening up about their own struggles. I felt our connection deepen as the conversation reminded me that resilience grows best in community. When it is water and fertilized with tears. We heal faster when we’re seen, supported, and loved.

So, here I am, incredibly grateful for each of you for being a part of my resilience community and authentically showing up for me – always and all ways! I invite you  wherever you are on your journey, remember this: resilience isn’t about being tough - it’s about being real.

Give yourself grace, laugh often, and keep growing forward - together.