During my morning walk today, I stumbled upon a little Batman figurine that reminded me of Batman’s (famous?) line: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
This quote beautifully captures the essence of resilience—the ability to bounce back stronger after facing setbacks and challenges.
In life, we often face challenges that test our limits and push us to our breaking point. It’s during these moments that resilience emerges as a true superpower—one that we may not even realize we possess until we’re faced with adversity.
In this blog, as I share my journey of discovering resilience as my superpower, I want to attempt to break the stigma around seeking professional help. My story is not extraordinary or tragic—it’s a common experience that many people go through but often don’t talk about.
Young Me Thinking My Superpower Was That I Could Keep Going
Growing up, I was always busy with school, college, friends, family, the usual. I was always go, go, GO.. I kept pushing forward without realising I needed a break.
As a result of always being on the go, I had all these feelings I didn’t really know what to do with. I just kept pushing forward, not stopping to think about how I was feeling or what I needed. ‘Relaxing’ was the last word that came to my mind, EVER.
I didn’t have a coping mechanism because I didn’t think I needed one. In fact, I desperately needed a way to cope with the pace I was operating at, but I didn’t realise it at the time. Instead, I kept going, never taking a break or giving myself time to rest.
Meltdown Mania.. I Had it Coming
One day, everything seemed to come crashing down. The pressure caught up with me (duh!), and I experienced a significant meltdown. I had what I thought was a “super bad day” that led to a full-blown mental breakdown. But when I reflect on it now, that bad day wasn’t even as terrible as I had convinced myself it was. It was just the tipping point after months of unchecked stress and pressure building up.
BURNOUT DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, repeat after me!
It does not, no.
It really, really does not.
Burnout is a gradual process that creeps up on you when you least expect it. Despite having a seemingly wonderful life and everything going well, I found myself feeling unhappy and unsettled.
(Re) Discovery of My Resilience and Re-defined Well-being (Haal-Chaal)
Interestingly, friends and family had always admired my resilience—the very strength I had failed to recognise in myself.
I realised that a lack of awareness about my own mental well-being played a big role in my struggles. I wasn’t supposed to feel unhappy, yet there I was, struggling to find peace and fulfillment despite outward appearances. It was a wake-up call that prompted me to seek help and begin my journey of self-discovery and healing.
Resilience isn’t innate; it’s a skill we cultivate over time. It’s not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process that requires nurturing. So, how can we build this superpower?
So, how can we build this superpower?
• Cultivate Self-Awareness: Start by recognising your emotions and understanding your triggers. Awareness is the first step towards building resilience.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help or lean on supportive friends and family. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Prioritise your Well-being: Practice and prioritse self-care. Prioritize activities that recharge you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Regular self-care rituals build resilience by fostering a strong foundation.
• Embrace Adaptability: Learn to adapt to change and setbacks with flexibility and optimism. See challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
In conclusion, resilience is a remarkable quality that we all possess within us. By acknowledging our struggles, seeking support, and nurturing ourselves, we can unlock our hidden superpower and navigate life’s ups and downs with strength and grace.
Remember, resilience is not about avoiding hardships; it’s about bouncing back stronger than ever. Embrace your inner resilience and discover the limitless possibilities it holds.
– Naomi SheedyInterestingly, friends and family had always admired my resilience—the very strength I had failed to recognise in myself.
