7 Way to Explore May’s Theme, RESILIENT
We’re thrilled to dive deeper into this month’s theme because we all know a little bit about it after the past year.
To be resilient is to be adaptable. It’s a way of being that’s flexible and alive, bouncing with the stuff of survival: learning, evolving, and intertwining our roots to share resources and to create a strong anchor of collective care. Like trees in a storm, it means swaying instead of snapping.
Persevering in the face of hardship and heartbreak is not easy, to say the least. To heal, to grieve, to bend but not break? It requires time and dedication to build these muscles of resilience.
As we gear up to hear from the amazing Ron Hsu of Lazy Betty on May 28, consider pondering May’s theme by asking yourself: What can you do today to help build strength and ease for the future?
Not sure where to start? We got you. We’ve rounded up seven insightful pieces that explore resilience personally and professionally.
TED Talk: 3 Secrets of Resilient People
When tough moments arise in life, resilience researcher Lucy Hone recommends three ways to better brave adversity, overcome struggles and face whatever may come your way with fortitude and grace.
Podcast: How I Built Resilience: Bert and John Jacobs of Life is Good
What does reliance look like from a business and leadership perspective? NPR’s Guy Raz talks to the founders of Life is Good about being a nimble company during the covid-19 pandemic and encouraging realistic optimism among their team and customers.
Podcast: Overcoming from TED Radio Hour
Part of building resilience involves transforming perceived weaknesses into strengths. Hear multiple TED speakers share how they did just that — from using autism as an asset to challenging ingrained traditions within their community.
Webinar: Viral Histories: Stories of Racism, Resilience, and Resistance in Asian American Communities
How do we strengthen a community in the middle of an emergency? What drives us to build community strength and resiliency during an emergency? Watch this 45-minute discussion to hear more on community resilience from Asian-American voices.
Book: Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
“I think of resilience as the strength and speed of our response to adversity,” says Adam Grant, psychologist and co-author of Option B. To walk through those challenges and sorrows and come out on the other side healed and not overcome? It requires time and effort, just like anything else. “It’s a skill set we work on throughout our lives.”
Book: Unbowed by Wangari Maathai
Aside from direct advice on resilience, others’ lived experiences can teach us a lot about resilience in action. "This memoir by a Kenyan environmental and political activist is a story of resilience and determination,” says Laura Boushnak, photographer and TED speaker. “Born in rural Kenya, Maathai ended up being the first woman from her country to receive a PhD, as well as head a university department. Through a foundation she established, she helped restore indigenous forests while also assisting rural women by paying them to plant trees in their villages. Without a doubt, her courageous story shows how we can make the best out of our circumstances, despite the challenges.”
Article: How Creativity Builds Resilience in Times of Crisis
You can build your resilience every day by developing your creative skillset. Explore the link between creativity and resilience with this quick read.
