Life can be difficult, and we are all inevitably faced with adversity, loss, tragedy, and trauma at one time or another. Resilience is about how we navigate through stresses – how we learn, grow, and persevere despite the hardships we face.
It’s actually incredible how resilient humans are — think of those who have survived war, significant losses, and childhood trauma. Each of us has a well of resilience inside that we may not even realize we possess.
Research shows that the primary factor in determining a person’s capacity for resilience is strong, caring relationships — even one or two meaningful family or interpersonal relationships makes a significant difference. That’s not the only factor, however. A positive view of yourself, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage intense feelings also matter — and all of these traits can be learned and cultivated throughout your life.