Bouncing High, Bouncing Back

My son’s grade had a special year-end field trip to the trampoline park today. Trampolines got me thinking about bouncing, particularly the need for us to bounce back in life.

Being able to bounce back from life’s setbacks tests our mettle and reveals the extraordinary resilience that lies within us.

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way; it’s in these moments of adversity that our true character emerges, and we discover the remarkable capacity within us to keep going.

I’ve been striving of late to keep my emotions on the sunny side of the street. But worry seeps in with gloomy clouds. When “what if this, what if that” scenarios try to dominate my thinking. What if I’m heading towards a setback? What if I can’t bounce back this time?

When these thoughts really seem to overwhelm me, I take a deep breath and work to shift my mindset. “Shake it off” in the perky words of Taylor Swift. The process of bouncing back begins with acknowledging my emotions and embracing them with compassion. I work to reframe even a “what if” as an opportunity for growth and personal development. I’ve bounced back in the past and will bounce forward again IF that’s really going to happen. Let’s move on, little brain of mine.

I find that the presence and support of loved ones and communities plays a significant role in my ability to bounce back. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who believe in us, encourage us, and provide a listening ear can make all the difference.

Additional tactics that work:

• Celebrate Small Wins and Practice Gratitude: Taking time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for and acknowledge achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize your progress and give yourself credit for your efforts. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can shift your perspective and help you see the abundance around you. I write a short entry for each day, usually 3-5 items on my aptly “ta da!” list. Cheering myself on this way helps reinforce a positive mindset and motivates me to continue moving forward.
• Indulge in Positivity: Encourage and support yourself as you would a close friend. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and the potential within you. Surround yourself with positive influences. Engage in activities that bring you joy and make you feel good about yourself. Minimize exposure to negative news, social media, or toxic environments that can dampen your positivity.
• Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, shift the focus to finding solutions. Break down larger problems into manageable steps, and celebrate any progress along the way. By focusing on solutions, we cultivate a mindset of possibility and empowerment. Prioritize your self-care too; we are better equipped to handle challenges with a positive mindset.

I know the world sometimes gets to be “too much.” Maintaining positivity can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and so I work on this consistently… with every morning sun salutation and evening “ta da” list I create. And know this… with every bounce, we become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of life’s glorious journey.