Everyone Is Facing a Battle: The Power of Resilience and Gratitude
Life has a way of throwing challenges at us when we least expect them.
I spoke on resilience at a recent annual symposium for financial planners, and was reminded of this truth. Resilience is a topic that I wasn’t speaking on at all four years ago, and now it is requested by audiences more and more (as it was here).
And every time, I’m reminded by the number of people that come up to me after or email me or contact me through social media, that we’re all going through something. Or if we aren’t currently, we were—or will be. No matter how confident someone may seem, how successful they appear, or how put together their life looks from the outside, everyone is struggling with something. Whether it’s personal loss, professional setbacks, health challenges, or inner doubts, we all face battles that test our resilience.
But there’s always hope!
It’s how we respond to those struggles that shapes our ability to grow, persevere, and find meaning in adversity.
The Role of Gratitude in Overcoming Adversity
One of the most powerful tools for cultivating resilience is gratitude. When life feels overwhelming, it may seem counterintuitive to focus on what we’re thankful for. However, research consistently shows that gratitude can improve our ability to navigate hardship.
A study from the University of California at Davis, led by Dr. Robert Emmons, found that individuals who actively practice gratitude experience lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. They also demonstrate greater emotional resilience when faced with adversity. Gratitude shifts our perspective from what is lacking to what is present, from frustration to appreciation, and from despair to hope.
Practical Ways to Build Resilience Through Gratitude
1. Start a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you are grateful for. (Or on tough days, one!) Especially in difficult times, this practice can help reframe your mindset.
2. Express Appreciation to Others: A simple “thank you” to someone who has helped you can strengthen your connections and remind you that support is all around you.
3. Find the Silver Lining: Challenges often come with hidden lessons. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” (Or a similar question, as Tony Dungy’s dad would ask him, “What can I do to make the situation better?”)
4. Anchor Your Faith: For those in the faith community, a return to Bible reading, prayer, and connecting with fellow believers can remind us of God’s love for us—even when we may not feel it.
Strength in Shared Humanity
Accepting that struggle is a part of life, we can begin to approach both our own challenges and the challenges of others with greater compassion. Resilience is not about avoiding hardship but about learning how to move through it with grace, courage, and gratitude. And when we practice gratitude, even in the toughest moments, we equip ourselves with a mindset that not only helps us endure but thrive.
So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of struggle, remember: you are not alone. Others are fighting their own battles, too. And by embracing resilience and gratitude, you’ll find strength you never knew you had.
Have a great day!
~ Nathan
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