Understanding resilience is crucial because it helps individuals navigate through tough times, adapt to adversity, and continue functioning reasonably well. In the context of global traumas, such as pandemics or natural disasters, resilience provides a framework for coping and recovering, emphasizing the importance of internal resources and supportive environments.
Talking about death and loss is important because it helps individuals process their grief and integrate the loss into their life narrative. It allows for the sharing of stories, which is crucial for meaning-making and healing. Avoiding these conversations can lead to unresolved grief and a lack of support.
Resilient people focus on what they can control and accept what they cannot change because this approach helps them manage their stress and maintain a sense of agency. By directing their attention to actionable areas, they can make meaningful changes and avoid getting overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control.
Asking yourself if what you're doing is helping or harming you is important because it puts you back in control of your decision-making. This question helps you evaluate your actions and thoughts, ensuring they are constructive and supportive of your well-being. It can be applied to various contexts, from personal growth to recovery from trauma.
The idea that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger is a misconception because it overlooks the fact that repeated trauma and hardship can leave individuals weaker and more vulnerable. While some people may grow from adversity, it is not a universal truth, especially in cases of prolonged or severe trauma. Supportive environments and internal resources are crucial for resilience.
Offering both emotional and practical support is important because it addresses the holistic needs of individuals facing adversity. Emotional support provides comfort and validation, while practical support helps with daily tasks and logistics. This combined approach ensures that the person feels cared for and can focus on their recovery without being overwhelmed by practical challenges.
Maintaining a realistically optimistic outlook is important because it helps individuals stay hopeful and focused on what they can control. This perspective balances the need for pragmatism with the belief that things will improve, reducing the risk of disappointment and fostering a sense of resilience and determination.
Life can throw curveballs that you feel wholly unprepared for-- just ask Dr. Lucy Hone, a resilience researcher, who tragically lost her 12-year-old daughter in a road accident. While all of us may experience tragedy in our lives, not everyone knows how to manage it. In this episode, Dr. Hone shares the strategies that got her through unimaginable adversity and—in doing so—helped her find meaning through loss. Co-director of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience, Hone's research is published internationally and her PhD was acknowledged for its outstanding contribution to wellbeing science at the World Congress of Positive Psychology in 2019. Her grief work now encompasses the best-selling book, Resilient Grieving, alongside other engaging online content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy) for more information.