The Act of Growing Resilience

"Our ability to grow resilient in the face of adversity

spreads to others and helps them grow resilient as well"

I am in my garden today getting ready for the new season of tending, weeding and hauling water. So far the only thing that is surviving our spring drought are the weeds which leaves me great pause as I plan for the rows of potatoes. Those little weeds are so vibrant even after a long cold winter without moisture. I smile as I think of how many things I have in common with that weed that grows relentlessly amongst the rocks without water or fertilizer.

In the vast landscape of healing, there are moments when we feel like dandelion weeds pushing through the gravel—tenacious, persistent, and unyielding despite the harshness of our surroundings. For those of us who have hit rock bottom after years of trauma, this imagery may resonate deeply, reflecting our journey towards resilience and healing.

Imagine for a moment the humble dandelion weed—a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. It thrives in the most unlikely places, its golden blooms defiant against the backdrop of gravel and concrete. Similarly, our resilience emerges from the depths of our experiences, pushing through the hardness of trauma to bloom anew.

The journey of healing trauma and growing resilience is akin to the life cycle of a dandelion weed. It begins with the seed—the tiny spark of hope and determination within us. Despite the challenges and struggles, this seed of resilience remains, waiting for the right conditions to take root.

As we navigate the rocky terrain of healing, we encounter obstacles and setbacks, much like the gravel that surrounds the dandelion weed. These challenges may seem insurmountable at times, testing our resilience and resolve. Yet, just as the dandelion weed finds a way to grow through the cracks, so too do we discover our inner strength and resilience, refusing to be defined by our past traumas.

Nourishment is key to the growth of both dandelion weeds and resilience. Just as the weed draws sustenance from the soil and sunlight, we too must nourish our resilience with self-care, compassion, and support. It's about recognizing our needs, prioritizing our well-being, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences that encourage growth and healing. If we are lucky enough to see the upside of a dandelion it means that we have taken the time to clip our feisty little enemy and enjoy the nourishment that it brings to our table.

 Like the dandelion's fluffy seeds that disperse in the wind, resilience spreads and multiplies within us. It's a process of self-discovery and empowerment, as we learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and turn them into sources of strength. Each step we take towards healing contributes to the resilience that blooms within us, resilient and unyielding.

Moreover, resilience is about adaptation and flexibility, much like how the dandelion weed adjusts to changing conditions. It's about learning from our experiences, embracing change, and finding new ways to thrive despite the challenges we face. In this process, we discover our resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about growing stronger and blooming amidst adversity.

In conclusion, dear resilient souls, remember that you are like the dandelion weed in the gravel—strong, resilient, and capable of blooming despite the odds. Your journey towards healing and resilience may have rocky moments, but with each obstacle you overcome, you grow stronger and more resilient. Keep pushing through, keep nourishing your resilience, and watch yourself bloom beautifully amidst the gravel of life's challenges. Resilience has always been described as bouncing back but on this day, in a new era of healing, it is really about bouncing forward despite what is going on around us. It is about what keeps driving us toward the best version of ourselves so that others may do the same.

Anastasia Jorquera-Boschman is a retired teacher, principal and educational consultant who now spends her time speaking, writing and hold space to heal trauma. She spends most of her summer days in her garden with her two garden managers Molly and Willow. It is in the garden that she has found the peace and joy to grow her resilience.