One of the human traits vital for survival is resilience – the ability to be able to adapt to challenging situations and circumstances. In a fast-paced world, we are all naturally required to learn to build some levels of tolerance if we are to survive when the going gets tough.

Resilient people are the ones who have learned from experience that nothing stays the same.  

They know that life has its ups and downs, and certainly both do not last, but rather alternate.  

They have taken the time to sit back and reflect on the past and, thereby, derived the best lessons life has offered.

On the other hand, there are those of us who move through life in a bubble of fantasy. We do not learn from the past nor from our mistakes. 

Instead of looking within and finding the strength to adapt, we rather see ourselves as victims of circumstances.  Clearly, it is much easier to blame than take responsibility. 

 In this process, not only are we delaying our growth, but commit self-sabotage. We become our own worst enemy.

To those who easily adapt, any changes and challenges that may come are met with agility and critical scrutiny.  

Every challenge is an opportunity to learn the mental fortitude to stand up to future challenges. Resilience becomes a natural inclination than a forced adaptation. 

However, to those of us who do not easily adapt, any change and challenge presented becomes a crisis and disaster. We go into panic mode, which leads us to more confusion and anxiety.

Resilience is strength; it is moving through life with confidence and faith that “this too shall pass”, just as many other situations and circumstances have. 

It is knowing that joy would not feel good if it was not for pain, and that every circumstance presents an opportunity; not only an opportunity to learn, but sometimes to understand, because only through experiences do we find the meaning of life, individually.

Challenging times are unpredictable, and sometimes their duration is indefinite.  Although this may not be a big deal for the resilient and adaptable, for the faint-hearted the tipping point is inevitable.  

Eventually, crisis and desperation birth perspective and awakening. As a phoenix rising from the ashes, out of the depression, self-inflicted pain and suffering emerges a stronger and better version of oneself.  

As that happens, we are presented with an Aha moment.  

We come to the realisation that life happens not to us, but for us. Finally, there we are, strong, adaptable and resilient; emotionally and mentally stable, as we again await changes, challenges and opportunities life may present for us.

* E-mail: karlsimbumusic@gmail.com 

Uncommon Sense is published every Friday in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka.