Kristina Coderre Is A Proud Mom Of 2 Boys (And Step-Mom To 2 More!) I started this journey with a passion for teaching other parents, teachers, and caregivers the behavior approach that saved my son. But over the years, things started to shift inside of me and I started to realize that I was not ok; and I realized that the parents that I was serving were not ok either. We were all expected to hold it all together, guide our families through tough situations, and bottle up our own feelings in order to make it through. We searched for and implemented solutions like a freaking hero but inside we were feeling like a total failure. Now I help dedicated parents take care of themselves by providing solutions we can do WHILE we are parenting and maintaining all of our other responsibilities. We became parents to increase the joy in our lives but so often the overwhelm of parenting leaves no room for joy. I help parents bring joy and fulfillment back into their lives so we can enjoy life NOW and model for our kids what living a happy life looks like.
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Kristina Coderre is a proud mom of 2 boys (and step-mom to 2 more!) who is passionate about helping parents shed their Mind BS so they can build a lifestyle that includes joy and fulfillment WHILE tending to the chaotic grind of raising a family. As a Nurtured Heart Approach Advanced Trainer, Kristina has worked with hundreds of parents, teachers, and group home staff who are supporting the most challenging children, and she witnessed first-hand the toll this takes on the caregiver. Drawing on her own transformational self-care journey in raising her special needs child, she is dedicated to creating a clear pathway for caregivers to be able to fill their own cups so they can continue their amazing work without burning out, and model for their kids what living your best life looks like.
I am proud to say that Kristina is an author in Our Forgotten Children book series.
Kristina supports PLEO Parents Lifeline in Ontario Canada.
We are a non-profit family peer support organization for parents whose children to age 25 are facing mental health challenges. We are parents who have supported our own children with these challenges – we’ve been there, we get it, and we can help.
Parents Lifeline of Eastern Ontario (PLEO) is Kristina’s choice of organization.
The Parents Lifeline of Eastern Ontario is a non-profit family peer support organization with a mission to foster positive outcomes for families with children to age 25 facing mental health challenges by providing family peer support and by amplifying the family voice for system change.
The organization is made up of parents who understand the challenges of supporting kids with mental health issues because they have supported their own children through the tough times. Parents who access PLEO services report feeling better able to cope, to access the services they need, to support their child, and that they feel less alone, isolated, anxious and stressed.
PLEO is a champion for system change to create a more effective, family focused approach to mental health care. Through collaboration with service providers and key stakeholders, they amplify the family voice to ensure that the real needs of the thousands of families they support are part of every decision and every plan that affects our kids and families.
Introduction: Meet Novelette Bowen, a remarkable individual whose life’s work is dedicated to reshaping the futures of children in the foster care community. As a proud graduate of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a degree in Human Services, and an accomplished Education Coach, Novelette stands as a beacon of hope and change. Her pivotal role as the creator and Executive Director of Ruby’s Enlightened Path, operating under Ruby’s Foster Village BookClub, a 501(c)(3) approved nonprofit organization, underscores her commitment to this cause. Novelette’s journey is not just professional; it’s personal. As both a mother and a foster mother, she intimately understands the challenges and needs of children in foster care.
Section 1: A Bridge for Change Novelette Bowen’s mission extends beyond traditional support; she aims to serve as a bridge, connecting foster children with educational opportunities that can fundamentally alter their life trajectories. Her focus is not just on immediate needs but on long-term empowerment through education. She envisions communities where foster youth are not only supported but also encouraged to pursue and achieve their educational goals.
Section 2: The Stark Reality The necessity of Novelette’s work is grounded in sobering statistics:
70% of children in foster care aspire for a good education, yet less than 3% achieve higher education.
Annually, 30,000 youths age out of foster care with insufficient educational outcomes, leading to limited opportunities.
This lack of support and opportunity contributes to high rates of homelessness, unemployment, recidivism, and susceptibility to sex trafficking among former foster youth.
Conclusion: A Call to Action Novelette Bowen’s mission is encapsulated in the powerful words of Malcolm X: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This mission is not just Novelette’s; it’s a call to action for all of us. By joining forces, we have the power to change the narrative for foster youth, providing them with the education and opportunities they deserve to build a brighter future. The question Novelette Bowen poses to each of us is simple yet profound: Will you join in making this change?
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Ruby’s Foster Village services benefits at risk foster youth who’re transitioning out of FC aged 14-25 years old the focused of our mission is to help FC youth solidify their educational dreams The educational facts about foster youth are sobering RFV is dedicated to utilize education as a tool to help foster youth change their educational outcomes through educational support services and mentoring as they transition out of the system into adulthood! Because it’s possible!!!
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Buddy is supporting Amerind Soul...the division that supports our mental health awareness and suicide prevention program and drive… Https://Amerindnation.Com
Buddy brands as “The Positive Social Change Agent Pro” and has been invited to be a Keynote Speaker and Program Presenter (Conflict Management, Parenting Dynamics, Cross-Cultural Topics), with one notable global invitation to Da Nang Vietnam in November 2017 and invited to speak on cultural topics at the IIRP World Conference in Bethlehem, PA-October 2019. Buddy is a featured regular participant on the Impact of Educational Leadership podcast hosted by Isaiah Drone III.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Is A Condition In Which Children Or Adolescents Experience Ongoing Irritability, Anger, And Frequent, Intense Temper Outbursts. The Symptoms Of DMDD Go Beyond A “Bad Mood.” DMDD Symptoms Are Severe. How Do We See It In Our Children And What Can We Do Differently.
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Deborah L. Staunton was raised by a mentally ill father and is raising a mentally ill daughter. She came to motherhood late after enduring four miscarriages and despite having an extensive background in Early Childhood Education, has had an extremely difficult journey in raising two neurodivergent children. Writing has been Deborah’s lifeline and her passion since childhood and has kept her grounded when her life was unravelling.
The Organization she supports St Jude
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.
With So Many Experts In So Many Fields That Have Been Interviewed On Self Discovery Media Orchards Platform, We Have Created An Orchards Mentors Directory To Spotlight Their Service For You.
If you Have Shared Your WHY with us, Now It Is Time To Share Your How And What. Become A Part Of The Orchards Mentors Or Practitioners Membership Directory To Learn How Our Network Can Serve Your Business Today.
We Believe In The Power Of Shared Stories, Especially Those That Resonate With Strength And Courage. The Most Profound Teachers Are Those Who Have Journeyed Through Trials And Tribulations, Emerging With A Renewed Sense Of Purpose. These Journeys, Often Through Darkness, Illuminate The Path To Self-Discovery And Reveal Our True Calling.
There Are People Who Have Been Through Such Adverse Challenges In Their Lives, Gone Through Hell And Back And Have Now Created A Safe Place For Those Who Are Also On A Journey Of Survival And Self Discovery.
The Need For Better Investment In Our Children’s Future
Our Children Represent Our Future. They Are The Promise Of Our Nations, Carrying Forward Our Traditions, Our Values, And Our Aspirations. However, It’s Disheartening To See That We Are Consistently Failing To Provide Them With The Resources, Opportunities, And Support They Need To Thrive.
A Brief Glance At Our Adult Society Paints A Troubling Picture. Rising Rates Of Mental Health Issues, Substance Abuse, And Societal Disengagement Hint At Deeper Underlying Problems. Many Of These Challenges Root Back To Childhood Experiences, Education, And Early Exposure (Or Lack Thereof) To Vital Life Skills.
Inadequate Funding And Its Implications
The Foundation For A Healthy And Prosperous Society Is Laid During The Formative Years Of Its Citizens. The Lack Of Funding In Areas Crucial To Childhood Development, Such As Education, Mental Health Services, Children on the spectrum, Family Support, Extracurricular Activities, And Community Support, Deprives Our Children Of The Tools They Need To Succeed In Life.
Education: School Systems That Lack Funding Often Have Outdated Resources, Overcrowded Classrooms, And Underpaid Teachers. This Compromises The Quality Of Education, Making It Harder For Students To Compete In An Increasingly Globalized World. The Way So Many Of Our Children Learn Is Not Being Met, Just Because They Do Not Learn In The Traditional Format Does Not Mean They Are Not Intelligent, So The Need To A Broader Teaching Styles Is A Must To Meet Their Learning Needs.
Mental Health: A Lack Of Emphasis And Funding For Mental Health Services Leaves Many Children With Untreated Traumas Or Conditions, Which Can Manifest Later In Life As Severe Issues.
Extracurricular Activities: Activities Outside The Classroom, Be It Sports, Arts, Or Other Pursuits, Play A Significant Role In Holistic Development. A Lack Of Funding And Awareness Restricts Children’s Access To These Critical Developmental Activities.
Community Support: Children From Underprivileged Backgrounds Often Need More Than Just School; They Need Support Systems That Help Them Navigate Life’s Challenges and support the family as a whole..
Looking Ahead.
As We Move Forward, It’s Essential To Realize That Our Children Aren’t Just The Future – They Are The Present. Every Day They Grow, Learn, And Form Perceptions About The World And Their Place In It. If We Want A Society Of Engaged, Responsible, And Well-Adjusted Adults, We Need To Invest In Our Children Now. This Is More Than Just A Financial Investment. It’s A Commitment To Reevaluate Our Priorities, Reshape Our Societal Structures, And Create An Environment Where Every Child Has An Equal Shot At Success. In The End, The Question Isn’t Whether We Can Afford To Invest In Our Children, But Whether We Can Afford Not To. Our Future Society’s Wellbeing, Prosperity, And Resilience Depend On The Choices We Make Today. Let’s Ensure Our Children Aren’t Left Behind.
Champions Of Change: Stories Of Visionaries Advocating For Our Children
In A World Often Overwhelmed With Challenges, It’s Easy To Feel Like A Single Individual Can’t Make A Difference. Yet, History Has Shown Time And Again That One Person, Fueled By Passion And Determination, Can Create Waves Of Change. Our Forgotten Children’s “Champions Of Change” Is A Compilation Of Stories From Such Individuals – Authors Who Have Dedicated Their Lives To Advocating For Our Children. From Education To Mental Health, Community Support To Extracurricular Activities, Each Chapter Highlights The Journey Of An Author And Their Relentless Pursuit To Fill The Gaps, Address The Needs, And Elevate The Futures Of Our Youngest Citizens.
Looking Ahead
As We Move Forward, It’s Essential To Realize That Our Children Aren’t Just The Future – They Are The Present. Every Day They Grow, Learn, And Form Perceptions About The World And Their Place In It. If We Want A Society Of Engaged, Responsible, And Well-Adjusted Adults, We Need To Invest In Our Children Now. This Is More Than Just A Financial Investment. It’s A Commitment To Reevaluate Our Priorities, Reshape Our Societal Structures, And Create An Environment Where Every Child Has An Equal Shot At Success. In The End, The Question Isn’t Whether We Can Afford To Invest In Our Children, But Whether We Can Afford Not To. Our Future Society’s Wellbeing, Prosperity, And Resilience Depend On The Choices We Make Today. Let’s Ensure Our Children Aren’t Left Behind.
THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN.
By supporting the production of this book you are not only raising awareness or todays children’s needs, but through the book sales we will be supporting the organizations that are already doing the work.
Champions Of Change: Stories Of Visionaries Advocating For Our Children
In A World Often Overwhelmed With Challenges, It’s Easy To Feel Like A Single Individual Can’t Make A Difference. Yet, History Has Shown Time And Again That One Person, Fueled By Passion And Determination, Can Create Waves Of Change. “Champions Of Change” Is A Compilation Of Stories From Such Individuals – Authors Who Have Dedicated Their Lives To Advocating For Our Children. From Education To Mental Health, Community Support To Extracurricular Activities, Each Chapter Highlights The Journey Of An Author And Their Relentless Pursuit To Fill The Gaps, Address The Needs, And Elevate The Futures Of Our Youngest Citizens.
OUR AUTHORS:
Mikki Gaffen StoneMental Health Matters:
MIkki Gaffen Stone became a Montessori Assistant Teacher in Belgium to connect with her children’s education. She later pursued studies in the USA, becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. This ignited a profound understanding of human potential, leading her to doctoral studies. With a passion for sharing knowledge and raising her two sons as global citizens, she’s dedicated to sharing her insights from both life and academics.
.Linda Orsini, founder of Global Wellness Education and host of “A Call for Love,” is a personal transformation advocate with over 30 years of teaching experience. She guides individuals to inner peace, health, and emotional breakthroughs using mindful presence and self-compassion. Linda specializes in mindfulness, meditation, yoga, Reiki, sound healing, and hypnotherapy, emphasizing our collective interconnectedness. Her approach fosters personal growth, awareness, and compassion for all.
I’ m a committed foster mom who’s mission is to help reshaped the educational landscape for youth in foster care one youth at a time for them to become educational empowered and live their dreams because IT’S POSSIBLE! Why I wish to share their stories its to educate the public and communities about their circumstances because they matter and their stories matters and it’s meant to be told for them to get the help that they need! Only 1 in 5 read at grade level and only 1 in 10 are at grade level in math power is in igniting the massive!
The Power Of Play: Dawattie Basdeo
The modern world provides children with many challenges, whether it be self-esteem issues triggered by media images, peer pressure or changing family structures. The Magnificent Me, Magnificent You Empowerment cards aim to provide children with positive food for thought to support children in the knowledge that they are unique and special with many gifts at their disposal to support them on their life’s journey. Play it as a family and set the platform to have an honest conversation with your children to learn more from them. Find more on Dewattie here.
Foster Kids Comfort Cases.
Rob Scheer is the founder of Comfort Cases, a charity whose mission is to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to the nearly 437,500 youth in foster care in the United States. His interview with Upworthy went viral in February 2017 and garnered over 100 million shares, and he was later featured on Ellen and The Today Show, among others. In June 2018, CNN named Rob a CNN Hero for his work with Comfort Cases. He has been interviewed with Sara many times sharing his journey and passion for foster kids. He lives with his husband and children in Maryland. Find more on Rob here
Super Mum LaChelle Adkins.
In January 2017, LaChelle began pursuing life coaching with Protocol Group. With a zeal to be transparent with her own experiences such as 3 occasions of hospitalization in a behavioral hospital for stress and postpartum depression. As a wife and mother of 15 children, I have seen first hand the effects of mommy burnout. I have learned the ways to strategize a system to create balance and avoid stress, anxiety or depression which may proceed burnout. More shows with Sara here
Victoria Coure
.Victoria Cuore, from A Contagious Smile, offers 16 years of support for families with special needs and domestic violence survivors. As a special needs individual, parent, and domestic violence survivor, she deeply understands the challenges in finding assistance. Her platform provides judgment-free support, classes, legal help, and more. It’s a community of understanding, where everyone has shared or still experiences similar challenges. FIND MORE ON VICTORIA HERE
Nancy Cotten an Autism Advocate/Advisor.
Nancy says “I am an Autism Advocate/Advisor. I help parents develop strategies to avoid things that can exacerbate problems as well as help provide ideas that can help make their lives easier from the effects of meltdowns, anxiety, poor diet, poor sleep and many sensory issues. ”My degree is in elementary education, and my passion has always been to provide the best care and education for children.
Sara Troy, is the force behind Orchard of Wisdom org and the Self Discovery Wisdom podcasts, and was deeply inspired by her interviewees on changes needed for our children. From their stories, she envisioned a book to spotlight the needs of our children in todays world. More than just words, she aims for this book to be a beacon of change, with sales supporting authors choice organizations actively bettering children’s lives.
The Challenges Our Children Face Are Multi-Faceted, But So Are The Solutions. This Book Is Not Just A Collection Of Stories, But A Call To Action. By Supporting This Book, You’re Not Just Gaining Insights – You’re Directly Funding The Organizations These Authors Have Birthed, Ensuring Their Visions For A Brighter Future For Our Children Continue To Shine. We Hope These Narratives Inspire You, As They Have Inspired Us, To Be A Part Of The Change We Wish To See In The World. Whether It’s Through Funding, Volunteering, Or Simply Sharing These Stories, We All Have A Role To Play In Shaping The Future For Our Children.
YOUR SUPPORT TO PORDUCE THIS BOOK IS IMPERITIVE IN GETTING IT OF THE GROUND. PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT HERE.
We have set up a big fundraiser for this book production, PLEASE WOULD YOU SUPPORT US HERE.
Our Forgotten Children: Insights From The Frontlines ”will be Published by Hille Publishing by December 2023 with your support.
Krystal Hille, Founder of Hille House Publishing and Soul Leadership Coach, is an international #1 bestselling author. She empowers change makers and conscious creatives to embrace their leadership, enter their flow, and become international bestselling authors, amplifying their impact and reach.
Scalar energy is the fundamental life force found everywhere in the world, space and universe. It originates from the sun and stars. Chi, prana, OM, mana, life force, pyramid energy or zero-point energy are synonymous terms for scalar energy.
Paladino’s mission is no less than to heal the world–to eliminate pathogens in everyone’s bodies globally. And he believes it can be done! He has passionately pursued his quest to harness Scalar Energy since he was a child first reading about Tesla and today, through his diligent study, development, research trial and error, he has the revolutionary breakthrough that does, in fact, control and directs the remarkable quantum energetic force of Scalar Energy
I began research with scalar energy during my undergraduate years. Inspired by various scientists, especially Nikola Tesla (a genius who invented alternating current), I was curious to learn more about the existence of an energy that was not of the electromagnetic spectrum. I pursued a course of independent study in order to better understand and subsequently harness scalar energy, as this emerging science is not taught at the university level.
One of my scientific predecessors was Dr. T. Galen Hieronymus, one of the few scalar energy researchers in the United States in the last century. I read Galen’s notes and used his scalar energy instruments after his death. Some of Galen’s inventions, according to a 1977 magazine article, were “quasielectronic instruments that could (a) analyze the component elements of an ore sample without spectroscopic, chemical or other orthodox methods, and, most surprising of all, (b) influence (even kill) living organisms, even from vast distances, with no scientifically understandable mechanism at the other end.” I theorized that all energy in the universe initiates as scalar energy; and that the Sun of our solar system and the stars of the universe are the points of origin, “the storehouses,” for scalar energy. I further theorized that scalar energy is instructive energy, as the entire universe is instructed by this Divine Essence.
Subsequently, all spiritual, cognitive, emotional and physical action in the universe is initiated and maintained by scalar energy instructions. Scalar energy provides order in the universe. Based on these theories and the work of scientists who came before me, I was able to develop scalar energy instruments capable of harnessing and transmitting instructive energy to heal human subjects by way of their photograph. You can think of this as similar to a radio broadcast with my instruments as the broadcaster, and your quantum body as the receiver. The difference is that the energy transmitted is not electromagnetic, and is therefore immeasurable by traditional science. My instruments provide a guaranteed, fast, harmless and painless treatment process that has successfully healed patients with quantum illnesses such as HIV viral disease, Ebola, herpes, hepatitis, Lyme disease, tuberculosis, malaria, etc. Over 400,000 pathogens are identified and subsequently disassembled by way of this unique scalar energy protocol. These scalar light instruments administer the scalar energy reverse-phase angle harmonic of a pathogen, thereby causing that agent of infection to disassemble or fall apart. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoan, can all be disassembled, representing a cure or prevention for thousands of diseases. Once the causative agent of a pathogen disease has been eliminated, the symptoms associated with that infection decrease or disappear altogether.
Paladino’s life’s work has been the pursuit of a device to concentrate and direct Scalar Energy, work that was initiated by scientists Nikola Tesla and Galen Hieronymous. Scalar Energy is often called prana, chi, zero point energy, qi or orgone–an unseen and unmeasurable quantum energy in the body and throughout the physical world. It was when Hieronymous’ widow Sara revealed to Paladino private notes from the world-renowned scientist and allowed him to see the inner workings of their initial instruments that the foundation was laid for Paladino’s acclaimed new system that was first brought online in 2012.
“The grey cancerous tumor on the top of our elderly greyhound’s right front paw along with the enlarged grey misshapen toe have disappeared along with his downtrodden limp favoring that foot. We can actually see pink skin growing in the area now!
15 days of FREE scalar light sessions are available to the general public on the home page: www.scalarlight.com
Tom Paladino is a scalar energy researcher based in Florida.
For full details on how you can receive scalar energy treatments remotely, visit
We are seeing so many people these days awakening to their soul and heart and it is wonderful, we see so many embracing their consciousness and stepping up to the accountability of one’s thoughts, inner words, outer actions; but there is a but, you will also have those who speak spirit but have no Soul Ethics or Integrity.
One does not connect to our divine soul to capitalize on benefiting or profiting from another under false pretences. Opening up to our soul which feeds and opens the heart and lifts the spirit into action and opens our mind to knowingness, is not a game to be played out to serve an ego or greed or to lord over others.
Having said that there are many out there that have changed their careers to being that person who will help you find your divine path with their shared expertise and love. The trick is to know, who are those that come from a reality of soul truth and who are those riding a wave of EGO.
I HAVE INTERVIEWED MANY ON THIS STATION WHO ARE AUTHENTIC IN THEIR WORK AND HERE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.
The SOUL is your divine connection to God or source or divine energy whatever you believe in., G.U.S, God, Universe Spirit. It is our truth our knowingness, it is our DIVINE INTELLECT. When we open up to it we know what we need to know when we need to know it, for it is the universal collective knowledge that has no need of lies. IT IS PEACE IT IS LOVE IT IS WHOLENESS.
Spiritual vampires
When someone speaks spirituality or conscious belief, make sure that it is coming from their soul and heart and not just another way to make a buck or feed their EGO. Spirit Charlton’s speak to those who are vulnerable and in soul heart recovery for they are in desperate need to be fed hope and a how to be guided forward into a life of loving meaningful purpose.
Being tuned in, listening to your soul, feeding your heart, lifting your spirit and stepping into knowingness is key to living an ethical integral life. BEWARE of those who are speaking it but not practising it, do not let them pull the wool over your eyes of damage your soul. You will know who they are, the soul vampires, they are the ones who speak first of EGO self importance, not the importance of self ( the difference being one is derived of feeding yourself, mind, body and soul, the other is feeding your insecurity and ego) If it is all about their possibilities, if you see constant promotion of them, if it is about them them them, then it is not about YOU.
Those that truly care, share……those that heal have been there……those that are real, speak to your heart and soul……those that are truth, speak in knowingness.
There are people out there doing DIVINE work in healing of our souls, minds, body and lifting our spirits in to action, hear them, feel them, know them, for their journey is what has made them who they are, their thoughts words and actions speak to who they are, look feel and hear them, then choose that someone you connect to and embrace their love kindness and spirit, for they are the ones who will authentically move you forward into embracing your divine life. Yes, it has become their lifes work and business, so energy exchanges energy, in this case, payment for services.
MINDFULNESS is SOULFULNESS so feel your thoughts, hear your heart, and listen to your soul for that is what puts your spirit into action.
Remember to stay in the integrity of soul one must always be honest in intent and in action, can you look at your self in the mirror and be open and honest with self? for that is where the truth starts, you are your word, your action, your truth, own it, be it, speak it, share it, for that is what life is about SOUL HEART SPIRIT INTEGRITY.
By Sara Troy
Self Discovery Media Owner/Producer /Host
Come hear all the wondrous illuminational stories and find your guider right here with us.
Life may not come with a map, but everyone will experience twists and turns, from everyday challenges to traumatic events with more lasting impact, like the death of a loved one, a life-altering accident or a serious illness. Each change affects people differently, bringing a unique flood of thoughts, strong emotions and uncertainty. Yet people generally adapt well over time to life-changing situations and stressful situations — in part thanks to resilience.
Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors. As much as resilience involves “bouncing back” from these difficult experiences, it can also involve profound personal growth.
While these adverse events, much like rough river waters, are certainly painful and difficult, they don’t have to determine the outcome of your life. There are many aspects of your life you can control, modify and grow with. That’s the role of resilience. Becoming more resilient not only helps you get through difficult circumstances, it also empowers you to grow and even improve your life along the way.
Being resilient doesn’t mean that a person won’t experience difficulty or distress. People who have suffered major adversity or trauma in their lives commonly experience emotional pain and stress. In fact, the road to resilience is likely to involve considerable emotional distress.
While certain factors might make some individuals more resilient than others, resilience isn’t necessarily a personality trait that only some people possess. On the contrary, resilience involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that anyone can learn and develop. The ability to learn resilience is one reason research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary. One example is the response of many Americans to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and individuals’ efforts to rebuild their lives after tragedy.
Like building a muscle, increasing your resilience takes time and intentionality. Focusing on four core components — connection, wellness, healthy thinking and meaning — can empower you to withstand and learn from difficult and traumatic experiences. To increase your capacity for resilience to weather — and grow from — the difficulties, use these strategies.
Build your connections
Prioritize relationships. Connecting with empathetic and understanding people can remind you that you’re not alone in the midst of difficulties. Focus on finding trustworthy and compassionate individuals who validate your feelings, which will support the skill of resilience.
The pain of traumatic events can lead some people to isolate themselves, but it’s important to accept help and support from those who care about you. Whether you go on a weekly date night with your spouse or plan a lunch out with a friend, try to prioritize genuinely connecting with people who care about you.
Join a group.
Along with one-on-one relationships, some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based communities, or other local organizations provides social support and can help you reclaim hope. Research groups in your area that could offer you support and a sense of purpose or joy when you need it.
Foster wellness
Take care of your body.
Self-care may be a popular buzzword, but it’s also a legitimate practice for mental health and building resilience. That’s because stress is just as much physical as it is emotional. Promoting positive lifestyle factors like proper nutrition, ample sleep, hydration and regular exercise can strengthen your body to adapt to stress and reduce the toll of emotions like anxiety or depression.
Practice mindfulness
Mindful journaling, yoga, and other spiritual practices like prayer or meditation can also help people build connections and restore hope, which can prime them to deal with situations that require resilience. When you journal, meditate or pray, ruminate on positive aspects of your life and recall the things you’re grateful for, even during personal trials.
Avoid negative outlets. It may be tempting to mask your pain with alcohol, drugs or other substances, but that’s like putting a bandage on a deep wound. Focus instead on giving your body resources to manage stress, rather than seeking to eliminate the feeling of stress altogether.
Find purpose
Help others. Whether you volunteer with a local homeless shelter or simply support a friend in their own time of need, you can garner a sense of purpose, foster self-worth, connect with other people and tangibly help others, all of which can empower you to grow in resilience.
Be proactive.
It’s helpful to acknowledge and accept your emotions during hard times, but it’s also important to help you foster self-discovery by asking yourself, “What can I do about a problem in my life?” If the problems seem too big to tackle, break them down into manageable pieces.
For example, if you got laid off at work, you may not be able to convince your boss it was a mistake to let you go. But you can spend an hour each day developing your top strengths or working on your resume. Taking initiative will remind you that you can muster motivation and purpose even during stressful periods of your life, increasing the likelihood that you’ll rise up during painful times again.
Move toward your goals.
Develop some realistic goals and do something regularly — even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables you to move toward the things you want to accomplish. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?” For example, if you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one and you want to move forward, you could join a grief support group in your area.
Look for opportunities for self-discovery.
People often find that they have grown in some respect as a result of a struggle. For example, after a tragedy or hardship, people have reported better relationships and a greater sense of strength, even while feeling vulnerable. That can increase their sense of self-worth and heighten their appreciation for life.
Embrace healthy thoughts
Keep things in perspective. How you think can play a significant part in how you feel — and how resilient you are when faced with obstacles. Try to identify areas of irrational thinking, such as a tendency to catastrophize difficulties or assume the world is out to get you, and adopt a more balanced and realistic thinking pattern. For instance, if you feel overwhelmed by a challenge, remind yourself that what happened to you isn’t an indicator of how your future will go, and that you’re not helpless. You may not be able to change a highly stressful event, but you can change how you interpret and respond to it.
Accept change.
Accept that change is a part of life. Certain goals or ideals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations in your life. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.
Maintain a hopeful outlook.
It’s hard to be positive when life isn’t going your way. An optimistic outlook empowers you to expect that good things will happen to you. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear. Along the way, note any subtle ways in which you start to feel better as you deal with difficult situations.
Learn from your past.
By looking back at who or what was helpful in previous times of distress, you may discover how you can respond effectively to new difficult situations. Remind yourself of where you’ve been able to find strength and ask yourself what you’ve learned from those experiences.
Seeking help
Getting help when you need it is crucial in building your resilience.
For many people, using their own resources and the kinds of strategies listed above may be enough for building their resilience. But at times, an individual might get stuck or have difficulty making progress on the road to resilience.
A licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist can assist people in developing an appropriate strategy for moving forward. It is important to get professional help if you feel like you are unable to function as well as you would like or perform basic activities of daily living as a result of a traumatic or other stressful life experience. Keep in mind that different people tend to be comfortable with different styles of interaction. To get the most out of your therapeutic relationship, you should feel at ease with a mental health professional or in a support group.
The important thing is to remember you’re not alone on the journey. While you may not be able to control all of your circumstances, you can grow by focusing on the aspects of life’s challenges you can manage with the support of loved ones and trusted professionals.
The world needs desperately good vibrations. We are living in a downward spiral and if we do not stop this it will continue till the end of this planet. We do have the power within us to change, mother earth is not happy with us, but all life is energy and if we can elevate our own energy then we may just be able to aid this poor planet into staying around for us.
As Carol King said, “We have to get up every morning with a smile on our FACES AND SHOW THE WORLD ALL THE LOVE IN OUR HEARTS“ We need to stay upbeat no matter how beaten down we feel. We have to give a dam and not relinquish it to someone else. We need to believe in something greater than ourselves and come together as a community a village and help each other out and not turn away. A problem shared is a problem solved; it is time to get back to the sharing of pain, hope, love, life, planet, and possibilities for if we do not then we will pay the price with our hearts, souls and lives. No matter what is going on in our life, good or bad, make an effort each day to be kind, caring, and considerate to someone else. When we take the time to value something else it reflects back on us with an elevation of good vibrations. If we all make the effort each and every day and add to it every day, this good vibe will flow into the air and be contagious lifting other people’s spirits and igniting them to follow and create the good vibrations themselves. Turn off the news (especially Fox) reach out to those that need us, start with your loved ones, a smile instead of a scowl, an acknowledgment of something great they have done instead of a reprimand, a reason for them to pass a good feeling forward a proud smile goes a very long way. We can make a difference; it is a CHOICE then act on that choice. Don’t be a part of the problem but look to be a part of the solution. Don’t feed the pain but fuel the solution. We can take back our lives our planet and our positive way of living, just DO NOT ACCEPT THE NEGATIVE, JUST DON’T LET IT IN.
POSITIVE THINKING = POSITIVE LIVING Sing it out loud, say it clearly, speak to your heart and soul and believe in something greater than your self and ask the Gods/SOURCE, ENERGY, DIVINE, for guidance to a more harmonious way of living. Send out the good vibrations and make this world a better place for all to live in, the power is in our empowerment. .
