Learning, and at times re-learning, resilience is a me vs me battle. For me to seek it with or without support feels noble and brave. I can relish my achievements regardless of how small they may appear from the outside. Yet to have it either imposed or expected feels cruel, cold hearted and damages my sense of self worth. Resilience, I believe, is an inside job. It is for others to support and encourage, to lead by example and speak of their well earned wisdom - wise role models are great. Yet after that we have to learn how to pick ourselves up and go onward with all good speed, and an environment of kindness as the usual ether gives the best chance of success.
Is there anything more morally bankrupt than asking kids to be resilient instead of working to create a world where they can be comfortable and happy as themselves?
"You pull the rug from beneath my mind, expecting collapse, or at least a trip. Yet I have learned a trick that's unique and new. You see, most folks don't realize they can fly. Yet in a world where solid ground is, at best, an illusion, it's what we're all doing anyway... it's just that some don't wanna see it. So I'll be the wily coyote that looks down and keeps running just the same, learning that air is enough."
There was something of the summertime in the twins, as if they reflected the warmth of one another, passed it like a beach-ball if the other felt sadness. Perhaps that's what made them so resilient and such a joy to be around. There were, of course, times they fought, but then they were simply as kittens learning how to be cats and it evaporated as quickly as it came.
The girl is like a snapshot out of time. I can see her chestnut hair blowing in the spring breeze, her youthful face turned toward the sun. Though her feet are scarred she still dances, dances like the joy of life within her cannot be tamed. In that purple shirt and jeans she could be anyone, no-one. But to me she is the world itself and without her I cannot enjoy a simple flower or the rising sun. There is nothing I wouldn't do to keep her safe from harm, but I cannot protect her forever. I can only be there when she falls and stand well back while she reaches for the stars.