Readings in Resilience

There Is Still Time

by Ron Breazeale, Ph.D.

There is still time for us to solve many of the problems that confront us and our society such as global warming and the economy. Accepting that we are citizens, not just of this country, but of the world, whether many of us like that fact or not, is a necessary step to our and our nation’s and the world’s survival. Continuing, as a people, to behave as if we believe there are only two options—the world plays by our rules or we pick up our marbles and go home—will not work any longer, if it ever really “worked” before. Unfortunately, much of the world, even with a new president, sees us as an arrogant, spoiled brat who doesn’t play well with others. It will be increasingly to our advantage in the future for our fellow citizens of the world to see us as a member of a group, a member who will take turns and listen to others whether we like what they say or not, and as a nation who accepts its limitations as well as its strengths and does not always have to be the leader of the band.

Our leaders’ attitudes and behaviors certainly have much to do with how we are seen in the world, but any leader will fail if the expectation is that he or she will fix our nation’s problems. We must do the fixing! Each one of us needs to accept our responsibility for changing our behavior and our world. We must work together. We will not reach home without the help of others who may be quite different from us in their beliefs and behaviors. We can do our part to fix the oil crisis, the problems with health care, global warming, the economy, etc. We can demonstrate resilience by:

  • Driving less, taking the bus, buying more fuel-efficient cars, etc. (Flexibility)
  • Being less focused on having more! Spending our money wisely. Saving versus spending. (Manage strong feelings, problem-solve).
  • Paying attention to what our federal and local leaders are doing and letting them know what we would like for them to do. (Communication)
  • Changing our attitudes about difference and diversity, welcoming it rather than always being suspect of it. In short, we can practice inclusion rather than the easy path of exclusion. (Connect with others)
  • Becoming better problem-solvers when it comes to insulating and heating or cooling our homes. (Problem-solve)
  • Tolerating a little more discomfort in our lives rather than trying to immediately avoid it or relieve it. (Manage strong feelings)
  • Beginning to believe that better days are ahead and that together we can ensure that they come faster. (Optimism and self-confidence)
  • Getting better at acting on and practicing our values and not our fears. (Sense of purpose and belief)
  • Focusing energy helping others and not just taking care of ourselves. (Helping others)
  • Lightening up, laughing. If we think we’re about to go over the falls, we should at least enjoy the ride down. (Use of humor)
  • Cutting our healthcare costs by taking better care of ourselves, losing weight, exercising, etc. (Care for self)

And there are a lot of others that we can add to the list. America is still a work in progress. As John F. Kennedy suggested, “We must not ask what our country can do for us, but we must ask what we can do for our country.” And right now, that’s a hell of a lot. And the only way it will be done is if we do it, each one of us.

Let’s practice the skills and attitudes that build resilience in ourselves, our family members and our community, and let’s stop expecting that our world will change for the better unless we are willing to change for the better. Our leaders cannot do it alone.

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Bounce back, USA.

These skills and attitudes are the focus of Duct Tape Isn’t Enough and Reaching Home.