Building Resilience

Less than 48 hours later, I was riding again - determined to start putting this all behind me.

The first time I crashed (2016), I returned to riding within two days; logging my longest ride to that point in time (165KM). Overall though, it took me about 6 months to truly bounce back.

I experienced two events in 2020; one that resulted in bruised ribs, 6 weeks healing time. The second, I collided with a truck who turned in front of me unexpectedly. Both times, I got back in the saddle quickly afterwards. I had forgotten about these latter two incidents until now.

What has been reflected back at me this time around, is my resilience, and how much it has grown over the years.

Building resilience is an important skill that helps us navigate through our personal and professional challenges so that we can bounce back from adversity.

Here are some strategies to help with building resilience:

~ Develop a positive mindset; focus on your strengths and abilities
~ Build a support system with supportive and caring people
~ Practise self-care and self-compassion
~ Set realistic, achievable goals
~ Cultivate problem solving skills to tackle challenges
~ Grow your flexibility and adaptability (emotional intelligence); embrace change
~ Have and maintain a sense of purpose
~ Look for growth opportunities
~ Foster optimism

Building resilience is a journey, and it takes time and practice. Be kind and patient with yourself. Over time you will gradually develop greater resilience to face life's challenges as they arise.

5 days afterwards, I raced again… bumped and bruised.