You’ll be amazed at what you’ve lived through

Hands up if last week was the most stressful you’ve had for a while?

It’s testing times for us all and especially those in front-line and essential services. Uncertainty is intensely stressful. It makes us feel a complete lack of control and control is something we humans need.

During my resilience workshops I ask people to draw their career maps. A bit like a tube map, starting at school or college and through all the jobs they’ve had, chronologically. Then they insert arrows from or in-between those jobs to show when significant things have happened in their lives. It might be marriage, babies, studies, a big holiday, a bereavement, divorce, a house move, a challenging situation. Anything they can think of.

If my colleagues want to (always without pressure or judgement), they share their reflections on what they’ve learned along the way. What never fails to inspire me about my amazing colleagues is what they have already lived through and how resilient they already are. This is before we get working on some tools and techniques around thriving under pressure — not just coping and resilience.

If you’ve ever moved to a new country or town, lock stock and barrel or left loved ones behind, no matter how far. If you’ve lost a loved one. If you’ve had or are living with an illness. If you’ve lost your job and been left with uncertainty. If you’ve fallen out with someone you care about. If you’re bringing up a child/children or caring for dependants. Goodness, some days, if you’ve managed to get yourself up, dressed, teeth cleaned and bought a pint of milk from the corner shop, you’re doing pretty well. You are strong and resilient and you will handle whatever it is that puts an obstacle in your way.

During these uncertain times, remember what experiences have brought you to this point, however young or old you are. The world keeps turning and the birds keep singing.

Be kind to yourself. Stay well. Stay safe. Keep others safe. Drop any judgements about others. And step outside to remind yourself what nature is doing around you.

With love.