An integral part of my journey in schools has been the people who come into my story and touch me, teaching me about myself and about the journey. Those same people inevitably must depart my story at some point, heading in their own directions while I go in mine. At times, the parting of ways was with particular students with whom I had formed a lasting connection. Other times, it was an adult who had played a formative role in my own professional life and whose departure required me to move ahead independent of the vital connection we had shared.
Life is for sure a journey which for most of us unfolds on a continuum. At one end is the planning and managing of life’s details; at the other, is our need to respond proactively to life’s stresses and changes or to these things that “happen” to us. Resilience is an important part of this journey which could be likened to taking a raft trip down a river.
On a river, you encounter rapids, turns, slow water, and shallows. As in life, the changes you experience affect you differently along the way. In journeying the river, it helps if you have knowledge about it and use past experience in dealing with it. Perseverance and trust in your ability to work your way around boulders and other obstacles are important. You can gain courage and insight by successfully navigating your way through white waters. Better still if you have some trusted companions to take the journey with you. It can be especially helpful for dealing with rapids, upstream currents, and other difficult stretches of the journey.
Adapting well in the face of adversity, tragedy, challenges, or even significant sources of stress in the workplace and financial stress teaches us to "bounce back" from difficult experiences. Most of us commonly demonstrate resilience despite our difficulty or distress. A combination of factors contributes to our ability to be resilient. Caring and supportive relationships that create love and trust, stories of how others have endured, and offer encouragement and reassurance help to bolster us.
As I watch students and teachers enter times of transition and change, I notice that those who maintain a positive outlook and adjust with ease all seem to have personal strategies that allow them to: make realistic plans and take steps to carry them out; maintain flexibility and balance in life and deal with circumstances.
I have come to understand on my continuing journey that I can embrace change if I:
Let myself experience strong emotions, and yet recognize when I may need to avoid experiencing them to continue functioning
Step forward and take action to deal with problems and meet the demands of daily living, and also step back to rest and reenergize myself
Spend time with loved ones to gain support and encouragement, and also nurture myself
Rely on others, and also rely on myself
