I can be resilient and feminine at the same time.

Most of us are hungry for more substance, training that helps us be steady women in an unsteady world.

We do not have more reasons than our ancestors to be stressed, anxious or afraid – we are simply not as strong. Resilience is the ability to remain focused on objectives despite adversity, setbacks and fear. It’s the ability to detach from emotions and physical pain for a time period as needed. (i.e., First Responders, WW2 Nurses, Free Divers, Athletes, etc.) It is maintaining your composure, mental calmness and controlling your temper.

It’s a muscle, and we can’t train and develop by reading about it or watching a video because then we would have knowledge but without experience. We develop resilience and mental toughness through voluntary exposure to difficulty.

Remember that we do not grow inside of our comfort zone. We grow as we push through discomfort. Let’s break it down Mentally, Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually and identify a few basic activities and habits that will move you towards a higher level of resilience.

1.Mental - Master your negative thoughts.

• ”Do not speak badly of yourself, for the warrior inside hears those words and is lessened by them” (Old Samurai Proverb).
• Have a growth mindset.
• Verbally empower yourself the way you would empower a good friend.
• Remind yourself that you have handled adversity in your life and you are still standing.
• Challenge yourself with cognitive exercises that help memory, focus and problem-solving skills.
• Practice optimism.
• Study and memorize scriptures on the Mind of Christ.

2. Physical - Control your physiology.

• Limit exposure to negative news, social media and toxic people.
• Intentionally move your body outside of its comfort zone.
• Daily breath work.
• Don’t ignore the basics of sleep, water, healthy food and physical activity.
• Ice baths or at least a 30 second cold blast at the end of your shower.
• Exercise in the hottest or coldest part of the day.
• A few more reps at the gym, even when it burns – you can do it.
• Look in a mirror and say something kind about your body.
• Sign up for a 5K walk or run and then train for it.
• Acknowledge that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

3. Emotional - Manage your emotions more effectively

• Know that emotions are neither good nor bad – but they are real.
• They’re hard-wired in you – not random thoughts.
• Manage your emotions so that they don’t manage you.
• Acknowledge the many lessons you’ve learned already.
• Meditate/Pray. Allow this to calm your emotions and strengthen you.
• Know that you can pivot, navigate and manage whatever comes your way.
• Get the support you need, and bring in a mental health professional to help if needed.
• Ditch the lies and labels other people have placed on you.
• Stand on the truth about yourself. Jesus says that you, out of all creation, are His prized possession.

4.Spiritual - Model your Spiritual Mentor – Jesus

• Know the truth. (It’s in the Bible)
• Remove the peace disruptors from your spirit: lust, envy, greed, pride, shame, guilt etc.
• Connect with a small or large community that will walk with you.
• Memorize scripture, and it will be there when you need it.
• Think of yourself less and other people more.
• Enjoy the powerful Fruit of the Spirit already inside you – love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• Read about resilient people in the Bible - Moses, Job, Esther, Abraham, Mary, the 12, Caleb, Joseph, Abigail, and so many more.
• Trust Jesus, and your faith is more powerful than your fear.

The end goal is to give you practical tools that will strengthen you into becoming a woman who is capable and prepared to handle various forms of adversity. I am stronger than I think I am. You are stronger than you think you are. Together we are even stronger.