Aging is a great example of this phenomenon. Although physical abilities may decline, emotional, cognitive, and social domains often flourish. Navigating change, understanding complex problems, and nurturing relationships tend to become more effective with maturity. Resilience, perspective, and connection are hallmarks of older adulthood.
Similar growth is common when someone experiences a serious medical illness or injury. Bouncing back is fueled by accumulated knowledge, loving support, and the ability to keep a wide lens when the physical realities are focused on pain management. We study our situation, lean on friends, and do our best to not let discomfort be all-consuming.
The catastrophe rabbit hole is deep. Like a vortex, runaway pessimism sucks everything into its spiral. No sooner have you predicted doom than evidence of peril appears to prove you right. Your kid gets cut from the basketball team; life is over. You don’t get the job after nailing the interview; life is over. Your significant other says, “It’s not you, it’s me,” as they break up with you; life is over. You lose half of your nest egg in an unwise investment; life is over.
It’s a slippery slope. Yet, none of us is a single-cell entity that either lives or dies when the environment strikes a blow. The myriad strengths that fuel our coping strategies come into play because of the challenge, not in spite of it. We should be thankful for the adversity that requires us to develop new skills. Acknowledge the misfortune, then be grateful for the opportunity to face it with a version of yourself that was never before possible.