February 16, 2026 – Resiliency: For me, resiliency is more valuable than strength, or power, it is the unstoppable determination to endure a moment of pain or loss, and then another, and then another. Repeating this process, in succession, despite the absence of success or relief. Not to be confused with optimism, resiliency determines our ability not just to take the punches that life throws at us – it determines if we get off the mat when we’ve been knocked down.
How can we become more resilient? Having the unconditional support of people that love us – knowing someone ‘has our back’ regardless of circumstances – is critical to resiliency. However, there are a lot resilient people that come from broken homes and traumatic childhoods.
A better question is Why should we be resilient? I believe resiliency is an act of will not to be defined by loss or defeat because we have hope.
Truth is, without hope we will eventually just stay on the mat. For me it is a matter of Faith in God that gives hope in a final victory. For others, it is a hope for family, overcoming a deadly illness, or resisting temptation. One thing is certain, it is our answer to the ‘Why’ question that determines if we get off the mat again, and again.
It isn’t just getting in the ring, or even taking some hard punches, that determines our resiliency, and shapes our character; it is what we do when we’re laying on the mat.
Common sense screams in our ear, “stay down, it is too dangerous up there!” We’re hurt, humiliated, and exhausted. It is then, that we need large, bold, letters to fill our consciousness – spelling out the answer to our Why question.
Do you know the answer to your Why Question? Find it quick, because the next punch is on its way.