Have you ever experienced any of these?

·      Job loss
·      Relationship difficulties
·      The kids making you late to work
·      Illness
·      Death of a loved one
·      Several bad things happening all at the same time
·      The dog throwing up on your shoe
·      Financial difficulties

Most of us have been through at least one of these, if not many. Life is made up of a roller-coaster of experiences which can include crises that range from the devastating - such as losing a loved one - to the daily irritations like being late for work or the dog throwing up on your shoe.
Bouncing back from these episodes takes a variety of tools which, when brought together, is known as resiliency.
There are many ways to become more resilient, but here are five ideas to think about.

1. Acceptance
Learning to accept what is in front of you rather than hope it will go away brings you into reality and helps you start problem-solving. Acceptance of negative thoughts and feelings, being mindful, and learning nonresistance will also raise your resilience quotient.
2. Gaining Perspective
Looking at problems from a different angle can help you bounce back by giving you new ideas about how to best approach a setback in your life. Likewise, remembering that you have gone through tough times in the past can help you have confidence that you’ll make it through the one in front of you, too.
3. Using Social Support
Everyone needs a tribe. Facing adversity is not the time to go it alone. It’s important to gather trusted, supportive people around you so you can weather life’s storm.
4. Taking Positive Action
It’s actually okay to feel good and laugh even during the darkest times. As a matter of fact, positive emotions add to your resiliency by not only making you feel good, but by broadening your ability to problem-solve your way through the most trying of times.
5. Learning Lessons and Finding Gifts
The sand that irritates the oyster often becomes a pearl.
Even though you might be facing one of the most challenging times in your life, it’s possible that there may be some important lessons and valuable gifts within this crisis. Are any new opportunities arising for you? Are you learning things about yourself that you didn’t know in the past such as you’re stronger than you think you are?
 
Okay, these are all good ideas, but you’re probably wondering how to learn more, about how to incorporate them in your daily life.

Luckily for us, psychotherapist Bobbi Emel has written an article on her blog,Bounce, that is the ultimate guide to bouncing back. 55 ways to bounce back from (just about) anything dissects all five of the tools above and gives you loads of articles to check out to learn more about becoming more resilient in your own life.
While you’re there, make sure to download her free e-book, Bounce Back! 5 keys to survive and thrive through life’s ups and downs.

• Shelton J. Fabre ordained Catholic Bishop New Orleans, LA 2007.
• Michael Jackson wins 8 Grammy’s in 1984 for his critically and commercially successful album, Thriller which still remains one of the top grossing albums of all time.