« Rick Butt Funny Motivational Video | Main | Make Fear Your Friend »
Resilience
By Lois Setoh | November 13, 2007
Are you beaten?
Recently one of my close relative has cancer. The cancer is in the oesophagus section. During one of my visit to the hospital where he has just started his first chemotherapy, I was very touched by the conversation that we had.
He knew the stage of the cancer that he was in. It was Stage Four. Notwithstanding, he accepted his medical condition. It was evident when he could relate to us calmly the situation that he was in. He did not blame others but instead took the initiative and responsibility to do whatever he could to improve his condition.
Something that struck me after the conversation and I would like to share with you what touches me was :-
1.Acknowledge the present state / situation that we are in
When a crisis or difficulty arrive at our doorstep, it is easy to recoil and shrink back. However, life is not always a bed of roses. Sometimes, we will encounter thorns. What is our reaction when we are faced with the thorns? Running away will not cause the thorns to disappear. It was not easy for my close relative to know about his health condition. Yet he chose to acknowledge his health condition.
2. Acceptance of the situation that you are in
One can bounce back faster when we choose to accept the situation that we are in. It comes with acknowledgment that “Yes, I’m right now in these difficult times”. When we are able to acknowledge the situation, then can we move on to accepting the circumstances that one is in.He accepted his condition and the condition that he’s in right now. It is not looking to the right or to the left but facing the situation squarely in the face. It is not running away from the problem or pain. At this juncture, a solution may not have been found yet. However, through acceptance of the present state, it would help one to progress to the next stage.3. Focus on the possible solutions Besides the cancerous cells, he is also having back pain. Instead of lamenting that trouble doesn’t come single-handedly, this close relative light-heartedly said it’s good to resolve all the problems at one go. He started to look at the options that are available, areas that he will need to look into.
Without accepting the situation that we are in, it is difficult to look beyond the dark tunnel into the beam of light that appears after the darkness. When we are able to face the situation, we will also free ourselves to look at the possible solutions that are available. Crying over spilled milk does not change the present state that you are in. It is taking active action in resolving the issues faced.
Though what lies ahead seemed uncertain, yet I’m comforted and heartened to know that he will fight a good fight. What lies ahead may be misty, yet what lies within and stays will bring clarity to your path. If today, my friend, you are tired with the journey, do take a rest but hang in there!
Topics: Self Improvement- Overcoming Hurdles |