Month: August 2023

Resilience as a mental skill

Isis K. Colon

To be resilient is to be exceptional. We must have the fortitude to stand tall no matter what is happening. Resilience is achieved through the consistent progress we make each day towards our goals. These goals are the benchmarks we design our life around. To live as the exceptional human being we have the potential to be, we must be willing to risk, to know when to rest and to be unafraid to be different from the rest. To be resilient we must view challenge as the catalyst that inspires our personal development. Life’s challenges will absolutely test us to our core. It can be scary. Yet, it is exactly when a challenge brings us to our knees that we cultivate our inner wisdom, our integrity and intelligence.

Entrepreneur Magazine

Resilience in today’s day and age is touted as a priceless skill. It is a skill worth developing and worth nourishing, for it provides your mind and soul with the mindful skills needed to bounce back from adversity. I have found in my personal life that resilience is a skill that is developed through hardship and trauma but can also be made stronger by conscious effort, and I won’t put it lightly – hard work.

Resilience can be developed and increased in the following ways:

  1. Self Respecting – we have to get used to not seeking approval from the outside world but listening to our inner voice and respecting that voice
  2. Driven – we have to cultivevate our inner “go-getter” personality
  3. Discerning – we must cultivate carefully our friendships and be wary of any negative energy that tries to come near us
  4. Tasteful – The resilient are wise to understanding that confidence doesn’t need for attention, it draws attention. We value the understanding of less is more. Hard work is signature to our approach to business, rather than the craving for public accolades
  5. Nurturing – Nurturing makes us someone others want to have in their lives and we inspire others to give back to us all that we give
  6. Gritty – The resilient feel stress just as anyone else does but their tough-mindedness helps them live the motto to never quit
  7. Empathy in relationships – The resilient compliment often and are wise to the benefits of genuinely making others feel valuable

Everyday circumstances and big life challenges are crucial for building the skill of resilience, and it is never too late to try to build this crucial life skill.

The bridge of life

Isis K. Colon

No one can build you the bridge on which you, and only you, must cross the river of life. There may be countless trails and bridges and demigods who would gladly carry you across; but only at the price of pawning and forgoing yourself. There is one path in the world that none can walk but you. Where does it lead? Don’t ask, walk!

Nietzsche

Life is a journey, filled with countless opportunities and experiences. Each one of us is unique, with our own dreams, passions, and circumstances. While there may be general guidelines and advice to help navigate through life’s challenges, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Every individual has their own path to follow, shaped by their personal values, beliefs, and goals. What works for one person may not work for another. It is essential to embrace this diversity and recognize that there is no definitive guidebook or rulebook to follow.

Rather than searching for external validation or seeking a prescribed path, it is crucial to become familiar with listening to your inner voice, trusting your instincts, and having confidence in your own abilities. This can be done by exploring the world around you, learning from experiences, and adapting as needed. Life is a continuous learning process, and it is through embracing the unknown that we discover the extent of our potential.

Embrace the freedom to carve your own unique path, independent of societal expectations or external pressures. Life is too short to live according to someone else’s agenda. Take the time to reflect on your values, passions, and aspirations. Allow your heart and intuition to guide you towards a life that aligns with your true self.

As you navigate through life’s ups and downs, remember that challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace them with an open mind and a resilient spirit. Surround yourself with positive influences, seek support when needed, and always believe in your ability to overcome obstacles.

In the end, the most fulfilling and meaningful life is the one that is lived authentically, true to oneself. Trust yourself, stay curious, and have faith in your own unique journey. Remember, there is no guidebook or rulebook that can provide all the answers, but within you lies the wisdom to create a truly extraordinary life.

Three Mindfulness Practices for Back to School Anxiety

Maria Santiago Valentin

Dear Parents,

You can help your child or teen to regulate and shift their energy, for a little more focus. In a month our children will be back at school and here is a list of three practices that help them to slow down:

  1. The 7-11 Breath (Source: Dr. Christopher Willard) – Breathe in through the nose for a count of 7 seconds, hold it for 5 and breathe out for a count of eleven. Repeat 5 times.
  2. Gratitude Practice. At the end of the day, have your child share something they are grateful for. This practice can surprise you with information that you never thought of.
  3. Visit the school. Call the school and explain the purpose of your visit. Take your child/ youth to visit the school, check out the classroom, locker, lunchroom, media center, gym, etc. Rehearse the first day of school.

The goal is to create positive and lasting memories and habits about school and their soon-to-be learning environment.