Recently, I attended a community call titled “Being with Resilience”, organized by my coaching school, Co-Active training Institute . As a Lebanese citizen watching the war unfold in my country from abroad, with family and friends in immediate danger, the timing of this call felt like a lifeline.

I don’t have the luxury of breaking down; I need to stand strong for my family, my children, and my country. I’m committed to helping in every way possible, but how do we find the strength to keep going when the world seems to be falling apart?

The answer is resilience.

What is Resilience?

Resilience isn’t about escaping stress or pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s about learning how to thrive amidst altered circumstances. It’s the strength we summon when we face adversity head-on, and it is this strength that helps us rise above challenges, emerging stronger and wiser.

Nothing tests resilience like war or disaster, but resilience can be found in more personal struggles too—whether it’s a health crisis, relationship challenges, or the loss of a loved one.

Therefore, resilience is about how we confront these difficulties, learn from them, and move forward.

In the spirit of resilience, I’m reminded of a powerful quote from Haruki Murakami in Kafka on the Shore:

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain: when you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.”

Whatever storm you are currently weathering—whether it’s health issues, strained relationships, financial worries, or grief—trust that it will pass. The question is, who do you want to be while going through this? Which values will you choose to honor during these challenging times?

Honoring Values in Times of Crisis

For me, I’ve chosen to stay fully present. To achieve this, I’ve made a deliberate decision to disconnect from the media and the relentless stream of bad news each evening. Instead, I dedicate that time to engaging with my children during their bedtime routine. By doing so, I honor my core values of family, health, well-being, giving, and, of course, resilience.

Another choice I’ve made is to release the grip of survivor’s guilt. While my heart aches for those suffering in my home country, feeling guilty won’t help my parents, my community, or anyone else. I’ve decided to do everything I can to support them, and then let go.

Tips for Building Resilience

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress or a challenging situation, here are some strategies to help you cultivate resilience and regain control of your emotional well-being:

1. Limit Exposure to Negativity: Be mindful of the media you consume. Continuous exposure to negative news amplifies stress and anxiety. Set boundaries on how much media you engage with daily.

1. Focus on What You Can Control: When the world feels chaotic, focus on the things you can influence. This could be taking small, productive steps, whether in your personal or professional life. Shifting your mindset from helplessness to empowerment can make a significant difference.

1. Embrace Routine: Establishing daily rituals or routines can help provide structure and stability during turbulent times. It brings a sense of normalcy and order, even in the midst of chaos.

1. Seek Professional Support: Sometimes, professional guidance can make all the difference. A life coach can help you navigate challenges with clarity, providing tools and strategies that empower you to move forward.

What Will You Choose to Honor?

In times of hardship, we are all faced with choices. What values will you honor? For me, the answer lies in connection, presence, and purpose. While we may not control the external circumstances, we can control how we show up in our lives and for those we care about.

Remember, resilience is not about never falling down—it’s about rising each time you do. Together, we can cultivate resilience and emerge from life’s storms stronger than ever before.