Finding Joy in the Snowstorm
December 2025 Message of the Month
Rarely does anyone get through life without hardship. Whether it be loss, relationships, health or financial, these challenges can sometimes show up when you least expect it. And they can leave you reeling and overwhelmed.
But there is a quiet strength within each of us that can help us weather these storms - it’s called resilience.
Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and grow when faced with life’s challenges. As a common saying goes - it means dancing in the rain. It means making the best of a difficult situation and finding small little flickers of hope in the darkness.
Resilience is NOT avoiding pain or hardship. It is not pushing through hard times without the support of loved ones. It is also NOT a fixed trait - resilience can be learned and cultivated at any age.
No one wishes to go through hardship. But it can be used as stepping stones towards a strength you may not realize exists in you.
When we nurture resilience, we create space for healing, hope, and even joy in the midst of a storm. It doesn’t erase the difficult time, but it helps carry you through in a healthier way.
Resilient individuals are more likely to lean on support from friends and family, and practice self care rather than turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use or avoidance. They tend to have an ability to find meaning, purpose, and sometimes even new strengths through adversity.
So how do we become more resilient?
Build strong connections. Lean on the people in your life in times of stress. Offer support in return when they are hurting. Relationships can make hard times feel less heavy.
Practice self-compassion. Reframe negative self-talk and give yourself grace to be human.
Use healthy outlets, like journaling, exercise, and mindfulness.
Go with the flow instead of fighting it. Be flexible in your thinking, expectations, and problem solving.
Ask yourself what you can learn from a difficult situation. Finding purpose can help you transform pain into growth.
Care for yourself in the areas of sleep, nutrition, and routine.
Ask for and seek support from support groups, therapy, or trusted loved ones. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Tune into our December Lunch & Learn to learn more about Building Resilience on December 11th via Zoom from 12 to 1 pm. Register at www.fauquier-mha.org/events.
