OPINION:
March 4th holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just another date on the calendar; it’s a testament to resilience, strength, and the journey I’ve traversed. Let me take you back to 2010, when the idea for National Resilience Day first sparked in my mind, igniting a flame that continues to burn brightly.
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After 15 years as a devoted stay-at-home mom, I secured a full-time job. However, due to the sporadic nature of my resume as a military spouse, I started as a receptionist at a defense contracting company. Determined to infuse vibrancy and positivity into the workplace, I began brainstorming ways to foster community and support among my colleagues.
One day, as I perused a calendar listing national observances to celebrate at the office, March 4th seized my attention. It evoked memories of my cherished childhood hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” and stirred within me a profound determination to press forward, undeterred by the adversities from my past.
Life, as it often does, hurled unexpected challenges our way. In 2008, our world was shattered when my first husband, an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, tragically took his own life after a deployment. Our two sons, 14 and 12, grappled with a tsunami of grief and unanswered questions. Both boys attempted suicide, and my eldest battled bipolar disorder and addiction before vanishing without a trace in 2015.
Amidst the darkness, however, we discovered flickers of light. Our journey through grief and despair was buoyed by the unwavering support of family, friends, and compassionate counselors who served as beacons of hope in our darkest hours.
Through the storm, I learned invaluable insights into the essence of resilience. First and foremost, I learned the importance of allowing myself to feel the full spectrum of emotions – to acknowledge the pain, anger, and sorrow without reservation. Suppressing these emotions only prolongs the healing process; embracing them, however, fosters authentic growth and emotional liberation.
Secondly, forgiveness emerged as a powerful antidote to the lingering resentment and guilt that threatened my spirit. Forgiving myself for perceived shortcomings and extending grace to others liberated me from the shackles of bitterness, allowing me to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.
I discovered that the third tenet of resilience lies in the art of bouncing back – of summoning the courage to rise from the ashes of despair.
After bouncing back, don’t stay in the same place. Chart a course toward a brighter tomorrow. Resilience isn’t passive; it’s an active commitment to progress, a relentless drive to march forth, no matter how daunting the journey may seem.
For me, March 4th embodies the spirit of resilience in its purest form. It serves as a poignant reminder of the strides we’ve made, the battles we’ve fought, and the victories we’ve won against seemingly insurmountable odds. It’s a day of reflection, gratitude, and celebration – a day to honor the resilience that courses through our veins and the indomitable human spirit that propels us forward.
As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but emphasize the importance of a supportive community. The individuals who stood by me during the darkest moments became the beacons of hope that guided my path. Their kindness, empathy, and encouragement were the building blocks of my resilience. It’s crucial to acknowledge that resilience is not a solitary endeavor; it thrives in the fertile ground of human connection.
As we celebrate National Resilience Day, let us recognize our individual journeys and extend a helping hand to those still navigating stormy seas. Sharing our stories of resilience can be a powerful beacon for others, demonstrating that even in the bleakest moments, there is a path forward. Each narrative becomes a stitch in the fabric of a collective resilience that binds us together. Our stories are interconnected, weaving a tapestry of strength that withstands the test of time.
National Resilience Day may not be enshrined in the halls of Capitol Hill or the White House – YET. However, its significance transcends bureaucratic formalities; it resides in the hearts and minds of individuals who’ve weathered life’s storms and emerged stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever.
So, as March 4th dawns upon us once more, let us unite in celebration of our resilience, our fortitude, and our unwavering commitment to march forth, hand in hand, towards a brighter future. In the face of adversity, we discover the true measure of our strength – and the boundless potential within each of us. March Forth and conquer TOGETHER!
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America’s Resilience Trainer Kristen Christy is a dynamic international speaker, trainer, and coach. Her exceptional contributions to the field of resilience have been recognized with numerous awards, such as the 2018 Air Force Spouse of the Year, a 2019 Top 30 Women Military Influencer, and US Air Force Academy Honorary Commander. She is deeply embedded in all aspects of the military and veteran communities. She is the creator of National Resilience Day (March 4th), a co-creator of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and the National Veterans Vocational Village (NV3) Foundation. Follow Kristen on Facebook, Instagram.