May 2024: Handling Hard Better: Embracing Resilience in Life’s Challenges

President’s Message:

When going through life, we are all faced with difficulties at times. Sometimes, have you noticed that you get overwhelmed all at once? As I talk with clients, associates, and friends, I hear more and more about how hard life can be. I want to share with you an amazing pep talk given by Coach Kara Lawson, Duke’s Women’s Basketball Coach, on handling hard better. She shares that life definitely does not get easier, saying, “It will never get easier.” She goes on to say, “What happens is you handle hard better.” She re-emphasizes this point, “You become someone who handles hard stuff better.” Honestly, this is some of the best advice I have ever heard on the topic of resilience and getting through tough times, which seem to be more prevalent as we get older. Take 2 minutes and 49 seconds to view this video

We so often keep having expectations or conversations with ourselves that after this, it will get better, or when I achieve this, life will be good. It just doesn’t work that way, does it? What we need to do is rise to the occasion, whatever it is, and handle hard better. Take notice that in these moments or situations, we grow and become wiser. We get increasingly better at the hard stuff because we have faced difficulties and learned from those experiences. It is so important to reflect, to see how far we have come, and to recognize the wisdom and strength we have gained along the way. Take a minute to do just that: reflect and see all the lessons right in front of you. I promise if you do this, you will become a better, stronger, more confident person. I love how Coach Kara advises, “Make yourself a person who handles hard well…. If you have a meaningful pursuit in life, it will never be easy.” This is a powerful message no matter your age or station in life. Like Lawson, I can attest to this as well. I don’t want to be a hypocrite; I struggle with this too. I often say to myself, “When I get through the storm, then it will settle down.” Now, I try to realize it never settles down; I just need to use these skills to weather the storm and know there is a lesson or message I will eventually see and hopefully learn from, making me a better and stronger person. But as she states, we are all human. I have this message taped on my computer at work, and it helps me breathe and work through things much better. The mental shift is very helpful.

In closing, one of the most powerful points that Lawson brings to light is how important self-care is, especially during challenging times. She states, “To best handle hard, you need to best care for yourself. This means making sure you have the energy to tackle what you need to do. Sleep well. Eat well. Drink water. Exercise. Take time away when you need a break. All those things are part of the handle-hard equation.” We need to be equipped to have the energy levels to handle hard. I hope this inspires you; it sure did inspire me. I wish you all good health!