Resilience

One of the really interesting parts of working as a family doctor is the vast breadth of people and range of human experience you come across. I met someone recently who has been through a very challenging time. Someone who had a few really tough years. 
Lost his home in the financial crash. 
Developed health problems. 
Decided to emigrate with his young family.
Started again.
And again. 
Experienced plenty of knocks along the way. 
But never gave up. 
Stayed the course. 
Developed new skills. 
Stayed upbeat. 
Built a new life for himself and his young family. 
Stayed hopeful. 

As he recounted his story to me, I was struck by how grateful he was not only for his good fortune in life now, but for all his earlier experiences. ‘They made me the person I am today.’
As I write this I’m reflecting on just how valuable resilience is to deal with life’s inevitable setbacks. 
To be able to dust yourself down and keep going. 
To reflect and reframe. 
To reach out for support. 
To learn and grow as a human being. This person has done all that and more. A living breathing example of resilience in action. 

- Mark, Waterford, Ireland