Mental health help

Fitness for Life - The climb is a necessity, not an option.

I’ve been thinking about a friend who has recently had quite a devastating, break up. His first deep love, their planned future and what they had been working toward together for the past few years was now in tatters.

I assured him that, after the pain, when he could get distance on what has happened, there would again be a time when he felt joy and strength. Through tears he suggested, politely and with teeth firmly gritted, he was through with ‘resilience training’. 

Challenges are a swear word wrapped in a headache at times, but i do find this comparison useful: If you’re just helicoptered onto a mountain's peak, the view may be lovely, but you’d be breathless and overwhelmed by the altitude.

The journey up gradually strengthens both your body and mind, equipping you for the challenges of reaching the top.

In other words, when we embrace the effort and challenge of the climb and appreciate the growth that comes from overcoming its difficulties, we’re better equipped for what comes next (if we know anything, it’s that there’s another challenge, big or small, around the corner - to live is to be in the ‘arena’ fighting it out)

Tips for Building Resilience

  1. Thank ourselves for the hard work we do, every day, to hold things together. A gratitude diary is a great companion, as is reminding friends and family, or even people you come across in daily life, of the good work they do. Appreciation of others is contagious.

  2. An encouraging, uplifting support network is essential (see point 1 - appreciating each other is a beautiful give and take). A strong support system can provide perspective, advice and motivation when things get tough.

  3. Practice Self-Reflection: when we reflect on past challenges and recognize how we grew from them, and how we embraced the inevitable, if sometimes unwelcome ‘resilience training’.
    Self reflection trains us to appreciate our strength and see challenges as learning opportunities, not setbacks.

 

A visit to a Renew Health Retreat is a commitment to Transform Your Life