If you look at the current research, here are five of the most common factors of resilient people:
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They are resourceful and have good problem-solving skills. -
They are more likely to seek help. -
They hold the belief that they can do something that will help them to manage their feelings and to cope. -
They have social support available to them. -
They are connected with others, such as family or friends.
Of course, there are more factors, depending on the researchers, but these are the big ones.
At first, I hoped the patterns that I observed in my research would lead to a very straightforward conclusion—resilience is a core component of Wholeheartedness—just like the other guideposts. But there was something more to what I was hearing. The stories had more in common than just resilience; all of these stories were about spirit.
According to the people I interviewed, the very foundation of the “protective factors”—the things that made them bouncy—was their spirituality. By spirituality, I’m not talking about religion or theology, but I am talking about a shared and deeply held belief. Based on the interviews, here’s how I define “spirituality”: Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.
Without exception, spirituality—the belief in connection, a power greater than self, and interconnections grounded in love and compassion—emerged as a component of resilience
