You don't have to feel resilient to be resilient
That quote from Leanne Lilly, DVM, DACVB, is worth embroidering on a pillow so you don't forget it.
It’s true, but somehow it doesn’t sound right.
Surely resilience is about being strong, purposeful, and able to leap tall building in a single bound.
But what if it’s not?
What if being resilient is having the courage to keep showing up for yourself, in big ways and in small?
What if it’s creating the internal and external support structure you need to live life on your own terms?
What if being resilient is about intention? Making a commitment to examine your thoughts, feelings, and actions so you can make wise choices about what comes next?
And what if it’s okay that it’s hard sometimes?
What impact would it have if you were certain that you are good enough, worthy, and more than capable of facing whatever comes your way?
You ARE resilient. Right now. Just as you are. And you can become more resilient.
Leanne is one of the 86 veterinary behaviorists in the United States and Canada. Google tells me there are 73,700 veterinarians in those countries, which means she's one of the 0.001% of vets who have completed this level of training.
Something tells me her level of resilience played a big role in this accomplishment.
Personal growth is rarely smooth and effortless. But there are lots of things you can do to make it easier and more effective.
First, give yourself permission to make mistakes. You don't have to know everything before you begin. You only need to figure out your best next step.
This self-compassion is a powerful accelerant to personal growth.
Listen in to the full interview to learn Leanne's suggestions for becoming more resilient and prioritizing what matters most to you.
Becoming more resilient
Resilience is a skillset and a mindset that can be taught and strengthened.
You can learn to feel stronger, more confident, more joyful, more peaceful, and more relaxed.
UNLEASHED Resilience was designed specifically for pet professionals. And it’s structured to break this down, step by step, and to show you what to focus on to make big strides quickly. The goal is for you to make changes that last by eliminating the struggle.
Through interactive learning labs and group discussions and an online discussion forum, the UNLEASHED Resilience community is a safe, supportive group of pet professionals having real conversations about real life.
It’s an opportunity for you to reconnect with yourself, to tune in to learn more about what provides meaning and purpose in your life. Check it out!
Links worth clicking
- Ohio State University Behavioral Medicine Services
- The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien
- Episode on grit with Erik Hofmeister
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth
- Mindset, The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck
- Self-Compassion, The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, Kristin Neff
