2023 was a rough year for me. I was challenged on so many levels: physically, emotionally, philosophically in ways I had never experienced previously. When thinking about my 2024 word of the year, one word kept coming to me. Resilience.
Resilience 2024 Word Of The Year
Resilience: The capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties
This past year, I leaned into my strengths and learned how to adapt to stressful, demanding, unexpected and upsetting situations. While not an easy thing to do, learning how to use the resources available to me and work to find solutions showed me how resilient I am. Everyone faces adversity and unexpected challenges, it’s how we react to them that shape us. Resilience gives us tools and strategies to bounce back.
How to build resilience
“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”.(source) American Psychological Association.
This same article lists 4 key areas to focus on that will aid in building resilience.:
Build your connections
I am fortunate enough to have a huge support system. Prioritizing and being more present with my family and friends was powerful. My friends in my Moms Run This Town group have been so supportive and a great way to vent.
Promote Wellness
This one naturally comes easy to me. I have been focusing on what I could and can do and mot dwelling on what I cannot. Prioritizing sleep, nutrition and strength training have served me well while working my way back to other goals. Just keep moving forward!
Find Purpose
I know I can’t solve the problems of the world, but doing small things to help can give me purpose. This past year has also taught me to practice more gratitude and find the joy in everyday little things.
Embrace healthy thoughts
It can be hard to stay positive when confronted with adversity. Learning not to jump to conclusions and catastrophize situations by jumping to the worst possible conclusions is not always easy. In addition, I used my energy to advocate for myself and search for alternative outcomes to my situation.
I plan to continue building on my resilience throughout 2024. Sometimes it takes tough times and situations to teach us just what we are capable of.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
That’s a great article. I like how you applied it to yourself and it looks like your doing a great job!
To me, you come across as a positive person. You always manage to highlight the bright side of things while staying realistic.
While I hope that “resilience” will serve you well this year, I hope you won’t be needing it too much! A happy 2024 to you, Deborah!
Thanks Cat! I am a positive person but this past year was hard for me. I learned a lot about myself and I do plan to keep doing so. Thanks!
Love that you are able to have this perspective! Staying positive is always helpful. Hopefully 2024 is kinder to you, but resilience is an important tool to have in general!
thanks and yes it is an important tool to have in your tool box. We all need it at some point!
Great word. Good luck being resilient this year.
My word is JOY.
Hope we both have better 2024s.
I hope so too!
I’m sure your resilience will lead to a healthy and positive 2024. These are great tips for anyone who needs to come back from challenging events.
Thanks Debbie
Amen, sister!!! You know my world required several pivots last year. Focusing on what WE have control of (namely our attitude) is far more productive than dwelling on anything else (like other peeps and/or their reactions, actions, words or opinions). That said, it’s a daily process, requiring focus & discipline. A strong support system is a huge bonus <3
Life will always require us to pivot and handle challenges. It’s how we mange it that makes all the difference
I love everything about this. I am so proud of you for overcoming what you did, and I know this year will be amazing! If anyone can do it, it’s you!
thanks Jenn appreciate your support and looking forward to a strong 2024
Resilience is a great quality to have, and I love it as your 2024 word. No one has everything go perfectly, but sometimes it seems like it’s just one thing going wrong after another (I have definitely been there.) 2023 definitely challenged you, but you emerged strong. I hope you get everything you’re hoping for in 2024!
We do all go through tough times. Hoping for a strong 2024 year ahead
You sure did advocate for yourself! I’m still impressed with your ability to take control of your health and come out on top. You always inspire me, but this past year showed me why! Here’s to a better year ahead.
thanks so much Wendy! I learned a lot about myself this past year. I really appreciate all of your support and friendship on some tough days
A great word choice Deborah! I know 2023 was not an easy year – I think you have already demonstrated great resilience and I am cheering for you to have a great 2024!
thank so much Michelle 🙂
Resilience is a great word and spectacular concept for life, really. I know you had to built a lot of resilience last year with different challenging situations.
I am working on it for sure!