Using Your Inner Voice to Develop Resilience 

By Danielle Terpstra, MS, EP-C, Wellness Account Manager at AllOne Health 

Resilience is a word we seem to be hearing over and over as we experience a series of events we have never seen before as a society. Even so, we know that change is the only constant in life. Although it’s sometimes good and sometimes painful, change is inevitable. It’s also absolutely necessary for growth.  

While we intuitively know that change is necessary for growth, it can certainly throw our world into chaos, and often requires us to put things into perspective. Why do some people tend to handle change well while others struggle?

While many factors can come into play, our inner voice is a powerful force in responding to change. It can make or break us!

The next time you are faced with a challenging experience, try adjusting your response by keeping these tips in mind:

  • It is okay to ask for help. Asking others for help is often uncomfortable. It involves surrendering some aspect of control and relying on someone else to help pull us through. It might bring up feelings of shame or neediness. Asking for help early on when change feels like too much to bear can yield powerful results by way of efficiency and resilience. 
  • View mistakes as opportunities to grow. Mistakes are inevitable. No matter how perfect you aspire to be or think others may be, perfection does not exist. When challenging experiences come your way and things do not work out as you had wished, consider reframing your perspective and finding the silver lining.  
  • Allow yourself to let go of what you cannot control. You cannot control another person’s facial expressions, email responses, or words. You can, however, control your communication, intention, and response. Consider pausing for a moment between a stimulus and your response to breathe and gain perspective on the situation. This is the best time to focus on your spiritual practice and stay grounded in what really matters to you.
  • Find what you can be grateful for. There is always a hidden blessing, even in the hardest times! Find aspects of the situation that are a gift and meditate on them. 
  • Movement strengthens your body and mind. The connection between physical activity and mental health is powerful and backed by science. Try not to have seasons of being sedentary, as those seasons often result in a reduction in your ability to bounce back from hard experiences.  

The next time you face an experience that feels challenging, consider taking a moment to acknowledge and perhaps adjust your inner voice. If you need additional help, consider your Assistance Program for additional resources and confidential support.

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