Thursday, October 18, 2012

Resilience Continued

This is the second installation in a continuing series about building resiliency.

Another trait of resilient people is an ability to compartmentalize emotions.  This isn't to say minimize your feelings but more the idea of adopting a pragmatism regarding emotional reactions to difficult situations or disappointments.

Resilience also is more action- oriented. However, not just being busy for buy-ness sake.  This often is anxiety producing.  Instead, the focus is more toward purposeful action  and moving forward. 

With loss, we often do these two things innately in the beginning.  We put aside certain emotions and get involved in tasks related to what needs to be done regarding funeral arrangements, legal and estate needs, and so on.  At some point, we are confronted with emotions we have set aside and the "grief work" starts.  However, after a time, it may be more healthy to do something with these feelings rather than just being with them.  For example, is your anger and desire to control blocking you from your ultimate goal or need?  Is your sadness keeping you from enjoying your friends and family?  Are you missing opportunity?