Hey there Reader,
“Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and the responsibility to pick yourself up.” – Mary Holloway
When most of us hear the word resilience, we picture dramatic survival stories: someone overcoming tragedy, illness, or great loss.
And yes—resilience absolutely shows up in those moments.
But science tells us something important: resilience is not just about surviving the big storms. It’s a skill, a quiet power, that we draw upon every single day.
Research shows that resilience is not a fixed trait.
It’s more like a muscle—a set of skills and attitudes we can strengthen with practice. People who intentionally build resilience are not only better at bouncing back from hardship, but they also experience less stress, greater well-being, and more confidence in their ability to handle what life throws at them.
How Resilience Has Shaped My Life
When I look back on my own life, I see resilience woven into so many chapters.
- At 18, I moved to the Yukon with nothing but determination and curiosity. I didn’t know exactly how it would all work out, but I trusted myself enough to take the leap.
- A few years later, I packed up again and moved across the country to Ontario, fresh out of school and in a brand-new relationship. It was risky, exciting, and uncertain—but I went anyway.
- Later, when that relationship ended, I faced one of my hardest seasons. It was painful, disorienting, and at times, it shook my confidence to its core. And yet, it was also a turning point—a moment where I had to lean deeply into my own resilience, rebuild my strength, and remind myself that I was capable of rising again.
I share these stories because I know you have your own versions.
Big moves. Big losses. Big risks.
And probably just as many small moments—the decision to keep a promise to yourself, to get out of bed on a hard day, to make the healthier choice even when no one’s watching.
That’s the quiet power of resilience. It’s not just the headline moments. It’s the everyday choices that build your strength for when the storms inevitably come.
The Five Pillars of Resilience (and How to Build Them)
Science points to five key qualities that support resilience. The good news? You already have them. And you can strengthen each one, starting today.
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Problem-Solving Skills
- Break challenges into smaller steps.
- Ask, “What’s the next right thing I can do?” instead of getting overwhelmed by the whole problem.
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Strong Social Connections
- Reach out to a trusted friend when things feel heavy.
- Join communities that uplift you—resilience thrives in connection, not isolation.
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Survivor Mentality
- Visualize yourself coming through the challenge.
- Replace “I can’t” with “I have before, I can again.”
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Emotional Regulation
- Practice calming techniques like mindful breathing, journaling, or pausing before reacting.
- Notice the stories you tell yourself and ask if they’re helping or hurting.
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Self-Compassion
- Speak to yourself as you would a dear friend.
- Celebrate even the smallest progress—you’re training your brain to see yourself as capable.
Why This Matters for You
You may not give yourself enough credit for how resilient you already are. But if you take a moment to reflect, you’ll see evidence everywhere: the moves you made, the losses you’ve endured, the risks you’ve taken, the mornings you got up and tried again.
Resilience is not about never falling—it’s about rising each time you do. And the more you practice it in small ways, the stronger you’ll be for the big moments that test you.
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
If you’re reading this and thinking, I want to feel more capable, more steady, more confident that I can rise again—let’s have a conversation.
I offer clarity calls for exactly this reason: to help you see the resilience you already have, and to map out how you can strengthen it for the next chapter of your life.
👉 Click here to book your clarity call with me. Let’s explore together what’s possible when you truly believe in your own resilience.
Coaching reflection for you this week:
Where in your life have you already proven your resilience—and how can you use that evidence to fuel your next step?
Staying Connected
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