Category: Cooperative Extension
The New You is coming through resilience
February 03, 2025 Written by: Jennifer Seabrook-Scott, Health & Well-Being Extension Agent
People often treat the clock as a magical artifact, believing that when it strikes midnight on New Year’s, they will become new and improved. Now that we are in February, how new do you feel? Have you maintained your resolutions or lifestyle changes? The truth is, the clock doesn’t change us; rather, adversity does. Adversity—difficult or challenging events—can foster resilience if we adapt positively.
While resilience is often defined as the ability to "bounce back," this definition can be misleading. Bouncing back suggests a quick recovery, but becoming resilient requires engaging with adversity. I’ll admit that going through tough times isn’t enjoyable. Unlike the concept of bouncing back, adversity can break us into pieces, making the reconstruction process much slower. In reality, we seldom bounce back; we rebuild piece by piece, which is when we discover our new selves.
To be considered resilient, we must adapt positively, maintaining and regaining our mental health and character. The term "regain" implies that we have lost something at some point and have the opportunity to recover it. Adversity can strip us of parts of ourselves, including our mental well-being. If you're struggling during tough times, know that it is recoverable. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals, and prioritize activities that bolster your mental health until adversity passes.
Remember, resilience involves regaining what you may have lost. It is indeed a process, and if you navigate it successfully, you won’t revert to your old self. Instead, you’ll gain a new perspective on life, develop patience, learn to endure hardship, cultivate empathy, express gratitude, and find joy in simple things. If you are facing challenges, keep moving forward, and watch the new you emerge.