“When we learn how to become resilient, we learn how to embrace the beautifully broad spectrum of the human experience.” – Jaeda DeWalt
Resilience. It’s a term we often associate with strength and fortitude. Picture a towering oak tree, standing firm against a violent storm, its roots planted deep into the ground. This image might be the epitome of strength for many. But over the years, our understanding of resilience has evolved. It’s no longer just about holding your ground; it’s about embracing adaptability.
Consider the willow tree. Unlike the sturdy oak, the willow is flexible and yielding. When a gusty wind blows, the willow doesn’t resist; it bends gracefully, moving with the rhythm of the elements. This quality of adaptability, of bending without breaking, represents a different kind of resilience—one built on acceptance rather than resistance.
Life constantly presents us with challenges, some monumental, others mundane. And while there’s value in standing firm, there’s also immense power in acknowledging, adapting, and moving with life’s unpredictable tides. When adversity comes knocking, which tree will you channel – the resolute oak or the adaptable willow?
In the insightful book “Micro-Resilience” by Bonnie St. John & Allen P. Haines, resilience is approached from a fresh perspective. The authors delve into the idea that resilience isn’t merely about weathering life’s significant storms but recovering rapidly from everyday setbacks.
Through “The Five Micro-Resilience Frameworks,” they showcase actionable strategies, merging concepts from neuroscience, psychology, and physiology.
The brilliance of St. John and Haines’ approach is how they break down resilience into tangible techniques and interventions. They highlight the importance of adjusting our mental outlook, rebooting our energy when depleted, and even the seemingly simple acts like tweaking our daily routines to build resilience. These micro-adjustments can have macro effects, making a world of difference in how we confront challenges and recover from them. Instead of seeing resilience as this vast, unwieldy concept, the authors hand us the tools to seamlessly integrate resilience-building habits into our daily lives.
At the core of resilience is understanding what truly drives us. What are those intrinsic values and motivations that keep you pressing forward even during the most tumultuous times? When faced with adversity, anchoring ourselves to these core drivers is beneficial. It helps us to look beyond the immediate challenge, putting it into perspective and drawing from deeper wells of strength and inspiration.
At WellsFaber, we believe in the resilience of the human spirit, both in life and in crafting a sound financial future. We understand that both the oak and the willow have their unique strengths. And we’re here to help you harness them, ensuring that your financial journey is as resilient as the life you lead.
We advise, you thrive.