Resilience, rest and renewal

This is a short post about resilience because it seems like something we all could use right now. I know I could.

I’ve tried writing variations of this piece a half dozen times over the last few weeks, but all the anecdotes seem hollow and trivial. There was one about my faithful old car, and one about getting up in the morning with fresh energy, and another about taking satisfaction in simply sticking to a ritual, any ritual, in these uncertain times. 

Well, I sold the car and my rituals seem stale and uninspired. Each morning, I greet the day with a mixture of confusion and sadness because I can’t remember what day it’s supposed to be, and it wouldn’t matter if I could because it’s basically the same day as yesterday. 

At least once per week, more often lately, my wife or I announce that we’re done. Can’t take it anymore. Not with each other, thankfully, but with whatever this life is supposed to be right now. We listen and commiserate because we know the roles will be reversed in due time, and we’ll be the one having the meltdown. 

We remind ourselves that we’re fortunate, and things could be much much worse. It doesn’t make us feel better right away, but that perspective eventually wins out and we go back to doing the things that we have to do to get through this particular trying moment. Mainly so we can get ready for the next one. 

Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficult situations, and it’s one of the most important lessons we can take from running. Whether it’s from a stitch in the side or struggling to keep pace, we keep moving as best we can through adversity because complaining about it won’t get us anywhere. 

In my better moments, I take those lessons and apply them to the rest of my life in a manner that’s constructive and reassuring. They help me push through whatever obstacle or challenge is in front of me with the same measured effort that’s required of a long or difficult run. 

The American Psychological Association describes resilience like a muscle that can be developed through time and intention, which fits nicely with our running analogy. Another way to think about resilience is like it’s a well, and right now my resources are tapped. I’ve hit a wall and need a breather. 

I’d advise you all to do the same if you can. Take your rest, allow yourself the grace to recover mentally and spiritually, not just physically. And then, try to do better the next time. 

Talk to you all again on Friday. Take care of yourselves. 

View from somewhere nice. I’ll get back there soon.