re·sil·ience

/rəˈzilyəns/

noun

the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness."the often remarkable resilience of so many British institutions"
the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity."nylon is excellent in wearability and resilience"

The past 6 months have been most certainly a prolonged test of our resilience. We have been stretched nearly to the breaking point and some of us are forever changed by the experience. Some of us feel like the rubber band that has had to stretch so much that we have come out the other side a little misshapen and perhaps a little damaged but we’re still hanging on. Still others may have snapped and broken but if they take a minute to examine this new configuration they might realize that without the constraints they once had they can stretch farther than they ever thought they could. It’s all about perspective.

It is with this in mind that we celebrate resilience and what it means to us and our team here at SOS. We asked our team to share their favourite quote about resilience and what it means to them. We hope you will find some inspiration in the things that inspire us to embrace the things that stretch us.

“This is no time for ease and comfort. It is time to dare and endure.” - Winston Churchill.

This quote speaks to Alisha because she believes that it is difficult to both simultaneously Dare and Endure. It takes a lot of energy and fortitude. Looking back through history gives her a sense of comfort though. The great depression, the World Wars. History proves that IF we can both Dare and Endure, peace and prosperity will follow our difficulties.

“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

- Nelson Mandela

Joel wanted to share this quote because we’ve all experienced getting the congratulations and high fives when we’ve accomplished something massive. But during these times that we’re currently going through, we should all be celebrating even the small wins. With so many things being put on pause, being able to get through even the smallest of problems can be considered an accomplishment. It’s what builds character and helps strengthen resiliency.

“It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.”

- Dieter F Uchtdorf

Kimberly finds reassurance in this statement because she knows despite the challenges we face we can actively choose how we react. We are the ones to shape how our story plays out and it’s about seeing the opportunities and possibilities rather than the obstacles.

“Joy, collected over time, fuels resilience” - Brene Brown

Ashley tries to find the joy in the everyday, even the smallest things and even when things are difficult. Sometimes the small things are the only place that joy can be found and she believes that you can use that to fuel positivity and the belief that you are capable of overcoming adversity.

“At any time in your life you can change your whole life by making a new decision. It’s the power we all forget we have as humans.” - Ray Dalio

Mike mentioned this might sound a little aggressive given we are all living in somewhat of an “external locus of control” feeling these days, but he believes this speaks to the profoundness of the reminder that we can not only adjust but thrive as humanity through the decisions we make both individually and as a community.

It is clear that these are challenging times and that being resilient is a conscious choice. But, if you make that choice to look beyond the moment and be willing to stretch beyond your comfort zone, you might find that you are more resilient than you ever imagined.

If change was easy...everyone would be doing it.

Authors: Kim, Ashley, Alisha, Mike, Joel