The Road To Resilience: Community

Every day we are presented with so many opportunities to reach out to others; strangers, family, and friends are all passing through needing to be heard, touched, and loved. So often, we move through life trapped in the stories we are telling ourselves, our worries, our pain, and in the midst of this we forget to open our eyes and truly see each other. We forget that by giving comfort we receive comfort, that by acknowledging the pain of others, our own pain is soothed, and that by taking the time to listen to other people’s stories we are reminded that although our challenges are unique, the human experience is universal.
When life tries it’s best to dig a hole and throw us in, it’s natural to want to hunker down and keep to yourself. No one wants to be a downer, and sometimes it is so hard to put into words the angst and pain we feel. How do you explain your sadness, anger, fear, frustration?
The truth is, you don’t really have to. You just need to climb out of your hole, take a deep breath, and shed the heavy veil that is obscuring your ability recognize yourself in others. Truly resilient people know that sometimes sharing moments with each other is enough.  That by showing up and being present with yourself and those around you instead of hiding, no load is too hard to bear.

Two are better than one, If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – King Solomon