You were born resilient,
and you were born to fight.
My latest book Born Resilient: True Stories of Life’s Greatest Challenges has received criticism over its title. The argument is that we were not born resilient, but rather that resiliency is a skill we must acquire.
I don’t dispute that, but don’t tell me you didn’t come into this world with a resilient and fighting spirit.
You came into this world kicking and screaming.
If someone chokes you what is your immediate reaction?
You fight.
If someone puts your head under water, what do you naturally do?
You fight.
I continue to meet too many people who are ready to leave this world. They feel that they no longer possess this resilient spirit.
I sit with these people, and listen to their pain. Then, I attempt to change the way they think.
I encourage individuals to take a look at their past and examine all of the things they have overcome.
I ask, “Did you rise above? Yes or no?”
The fact that they are still breathing means that they have to respond with, “Yes.”
Why is that so important?
If they think that they are a fighter will they fight?
Yes.
That right there is the power of thought.
Then, I want them to draw strength from that fighting spirit. This is done by asking them to reflect on the tools they used to overcome challenges in the past. Did they turn to music, journaling, prayer, culture?
If it worked in the past, chances are it will work again.
I created these Born Resilient bracelets as a reminder of this fighting spirit.
I hope that if people are feeling overwhelmed, this bracelet can remind them that they were born resilient, and that this too shall pass.
Keep fighting my friends.