Something happens when I write a blog when under duress. Somehow my insights from the cliff edge and the openness to share them seem useful to my precious readers and clients in ways that I could not anticipate.
I thought that I had had my share of cliff-edging but apparently not! The next layer of being on the edge of the edge has been another set of lessons that I will share in the hopes they help others.
What It Really Means to Bounce Back from Adversity
Bouncing back from adversity implies that the adversity has ended and life is easy again but what if the circumstances look like they are going to stick around? In the culture of self-help, there has been a lot of discussion around the topic of vulnerability. I am not that keen on the term as it reminds me of being vulnerable to falls, attacks or exploitation. Instead, I prefer the term ‘openness’ because it is based on a logical experience where truths are shared and lessons are embraced.
One of the things that I have learned through being open is that creating moments of joy and generosity are powerful tools against adversity. They have to be thoughtful and useful acts that help someone else. When we do something ridiculously lovely we are kicking back against the pain. I love ridiculous joy. Silly, funny, loving moments that help us smile and act as a bridge between moments of collapse and cohesion.
Simple Acts of Ridiculous Joy to Build Resilience
Here are some easy ridiculous joys that you might wish to use to counter some of the sadness that you encounter. I pray that you don’t need them and that you can use them just to make life better for yourself and others. I pray for you.
Praise good people. Be specific about what they have done and the good effect they have had. Here is a script that might help ~ “When you did …… it made me feel safer, loved, cared for, better ……. Thank you so much.”
- 🌻 Give a bigger tip if you can afford it.
- 🌻 Encourage good people with wise words. Tell them you’re proud of them and pleased for them when things go well.
- 🌻 Keep a box or even a cupboard of little things that you can use if you need an unexpected present for someone. Gather things from sales, charity shops or craft stalls so you have them handy.
- 🌻 Write thank you cards or notes.
- 🌻 Seek as much beauty as you can. The hills, forests, seaside and parks are all still magnificent even if your heart is breaking. Hold onto that fact.
- 🌻 Observe moments of splendour in relationships. People watching can be delightful ~ take pleasure in seeing a new mother hold her child, an elderly couple hold hands or a young child run with gusto.
- 🌻 Keep reminding yourself that you’re doing the best that you can manage. You’re a blessing to many. Remember that fact.
- 🌻 Make a list of the times when things have gone well. Note the times when miraculous help arrived and outcomes were better than you could have ever imagined.
- 🌻 Think about something tiny that you might be able to achieve today. I’ve just cleaned the sofa, crocheted a couple of lines and walked on a wet lawn before I started work. These small things I wanted to do were intangible to the outside world but made me feel like I was in control of something in life.
Finding Beauty in Tough Times
Life may be about trying to navigate the need to bounce a lot. Life may be about being open about those realities and aware that you need immense amounts of nerve to keep clinging to the cliff. When there is no other option than a sturdy effort at holding on, we may realise that is where the strength of the soul resides.
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