Reservoirs of Resilience

I like to think that we are all born with a full reservoir of resilience. 

Mr. Google defines a reservoir as "an open air storage where water is collected and kept in quantity so that it may be drawn off for use".Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma or tragedy passing both the ability to bounce back and to grow from difficult experiences.

In my mind, a reservoir of resilience is "an open air storage area where resilience is collected and kept in quantity so that it may be drawn off for use". Hear me out.

At birth, I think we are supplied a full reservoir of resilience. The second we are born, resilience is drawn off for use. For example, a premature baby would have more drawn off than a full-term baby. A baby with two involved parents would have less drawn off than an adopted baby. You get the idea. Reservoirs of resilience are "drawn off" by adversity, trauma or tragedy and refilled by caring, teaching, listening, supporting, love, validation, embracing and encouraging.

Each of us have different streams, brooks, trickles and creeks that fill our reservoirs. Positive time with friends or family may fill you to the brim. A daily hike in the woods may be a constant creek. Each of us also can play a role in filling other folks' reservoirs. For example, we might lend an ear, encourage passion, help build independence, model positivity and peace, be empathetic, play, laugh, exercise, sleep, teach and learn.

I believe the "open air" concept of our reservoirs is an important point to highlight. When our reservoirs are low, and sleep is hard to find, dark circles appear under our eyes, we drag through days and our bodies thirst for replenishment. So next time you feel the weight of the world draining your reservoir, have faith that you CAN refill it. Go to the streams, brooks, trickles and creeks that empty into your reservoir and drink it in.

To full Reservoirs of Resilience, Christina

Christina Major 

Founder - Cooper's Crossroad