Resilience

Probably one of the most important qualities to have in these very treacherous times we live in is resiliency. For those of you who don’t know my origins, I am Lebanese and specifically from Beirut. 

Beirut has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times, more times than I can count or remember. Beirutis and Lebanese people in general are very resilient people, we are used to facing all kinds of adversities. We know that the hard times pass, and that peace comes back and we can resume our lives, enjoying the beautiful mediterranean sea, weather and foods.

Needless to say, I learned a few things about how to survive so many wars and heartaches. Then when Covid hit, I felt scared, anxious and worried again, like everyone else. How did I cope?  I started coping by eating more and indulging even in wine drinking more than I need to. In few weeks, I noticed the weight gain. I thought to myself, this pandemic will pass, at the end of it I don’t want to be in worse shape. How am I going to fight this virus? I am going to strengthen my immunity. I will take this time, of isolation and uncertainty to eat healthier, walk more, do more yoga, sleep better and come out of it a healthier version of me. So, I started walking longer walks, I took tennis lessons with my kids, I focused on creating a healthier more balanced life for myself to shield myself from all the chaos going on outside. When facing crisis, I believe we need to take extra care of ourselves, physically and mentally. So, I put in efforts into taking care of myself and of course my family. I believe that somewhere along the way, from my childhood to my adulthood, surviving the countless wars and violence in Lebanon, I had to go inward to find my own peace of mind.

I would like to end this blog with one of my favorite pieces of poetry from a famous French poet called Albert Camus and it goes like this:

“In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.

In the midst of tears, I found there was within me, an invincible smile.

In the midst of chaos, I found there was within me, an invincible peace.

I realized through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was within me, an invincible summer.

And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back”

I hope this inspires you in all times, but especially in times of turbulence and uncertainty, to know that this too shall pass, that we are stronger than we believe, we are resilient. While waiting for the storms to pass and the sun to shine back again, work on yourself, nourish yourself, manage your stress, be kind to yourself, work on becoming the better version of yourself. Join me and let’s get Healthier with Rola!

Rola