Tag: resilience

By Angel Carlton Anderson

I came across an old photo of myself recently from way back in Jr. High (yes, that’s me front and center). I was thrown back by the array of emotions that bubbled up when I saw it.  It wasn’t so much the happy memories the photo triggered, it felt more like a longing for simpler times. I could not help but reflect on how much not only life, but the world as a whole has changed so drastically.

Even though I clearly remember the drama that come with the territory of being young, I realized how much that drama is amplified today because of the internet. As i continued to compare then vs now, I reflected on the simplicity of life that made the difficult times of my youth more bearable. As I reminisced, I could not help but feel empathy for our younger generation who will never get to experience life without all the complexities of technology and the impact it has on our development years.

My mind began thinking back to the little things that brought joy when I was a kid. Again, our youth today will never know the excitement of passing a note in the hallway or in class and appreciating for someone actually taking the time to hand write it.  Your friends literally waited for you at your locker or found you in between classes to hand it to you. Then rushing to your next class so that you can sneakily read it.  This thrill goes beyond a text message today.

Our social media wasn’t on a screen, it took place every week on Saturday afternoons when we all met at the roller rink or playing tag with all the neighborhood kids until the streetlights came on (or when you heard your mom yell your name to come home). If we were bored, we would hop on our bikes and ride around the neighborhood until we found our friends only to create another adventure together whether it was building a fort or using our imagination to create our own fun.  For my friends, it was making our own version of Charlie’s Angels, making up stories and then solving the mysteries of our unknown neighbors.  Every day seemed to offer yet another opportunity for us to express the freedom our youth and become another version of ourselves, to a degree that our youth today will never know.  

We didn’t have technology to communicate for us, no cell phones for our parents to track us down.  We knew the rules, we were trusted to do the right thing and when we didn’t, we were punished appropriately.  We respected authority and the adults that enforced it. We knew our place as kids, and took advantage of our playtime which was outside every chance we got. 

It’s these memories that caused me to realize we were the last generation raised on this planet to have such a simplified version of youth.  As I reflected on all that has changed, and seemingly so rapidly, I wondered what it is we can do to make life a little easier for us all.  My interests and expertise are in personal transformation as we evolve through these changing times and so I have developed some quick tips and reminders to help us become more adaptable and capable as we navigate life’s chaos and “march through the madness”. 

Here are some ways to create balance, sustain stability and show change who’s really boss:

• Cultivate Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay present and aware of your thoughts and actions. This helps you respond thoughtfully to changing circumstances.
• Embrace Change: Instead of resisting change, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Change is a constant, and adapting to it can lead to personal evolution.
• Continuous Learning: Stay curious and engage in lifelong learning. Seek out new information, skills, and perspectives to expand your understanding of the world.
• Develop Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions effectively. This includes empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate social complexities.
• Build Resilience: Cultivate resilience to bounce back from setbacks. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than insurmountable obstacles.
• Practice Gratitude: Regularly express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. This helps foster a positive mindset and a greater appreciation for the present moment.
• Connect with Nature: Spend time in nature to reconnect with the environment and gain a broader perspective. Nature has a grounding and calming effect on the mind.
• Nurture Relationships: Foster meaningful connections with others. Healthy relationships contribute to personal growth and well-being.
• Align with Values: Identify and live in alignment with your core values. This provides a sense of purpose and direction in the midst of change.
• Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn. A growth mindset encourages resilience and continuous improvement.
• Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your beliefs, actions, and goals. Self-awareness is crucial for personal evolution.
• Limit Information Overload: In a rapidly changing world, it’s essential to manage information intake. Filter and prioritize information to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Foster Creativity: Cultivate your creative side to find innovative solutions and adapt to change more effectively.
• Simplify Your Life: Declutter your physical and mental space. Simplifying your life can lead to greater focus and a clearer sense of purpose.
• Contribute Positively: Actively contribute to your community and the world in a positive way. Making a difference in the lives of others can elevate your sense of purpose.

Remember that personal evolution is a gradual process, and these tips can serve as a guide to help you navigate the journey toward a higher level of consciousness in our ever-changing world.  We may not have the simplicity of our youth, but we can share our stories and these important reminders so that our youth knows what a wonderful world they have the power to create.

***********************************************************

Angel Carlton Anderson is a Facilitator of Transformative Learning, a Motivational Speaker & Published Author on the topic of personal transformation…helping people evolve through the natural cycle of change so that they transform into a greater version of themselves.  

To Learn more visit:  TransformwithAngel.com