Becoming Resilient
By Jessica Humphreys
I close my eyes in the dark of the night, praying for change.
I am in a boat headed towards a brilliantly bright light.
My storm is here, thunder and rain representing my pain.
I must reach my lighthouse, and to get there I will fight.
My boat is shaking, sinking, about to capsize.
I use my own hands, my own feet to keep steady and upright.
Yet still, I am too heavy, I must remove this disguise.
I let go of my anger, I let go of what has traumatized.
As I reach the light, I know these wounds can be sutured.
In the midst of my storm, I can now walk on water.
No longer will I allow abuse from my abuser.
How did I not know I was always my own author?
By Beth Aligood
By Robyn Vaughan
In youth, little time is spent agonizing over one’s traits or potential. At this stage of life, these ideas largely come from external sources. Children hear what others think of their personality, who they are expected to become, and who they will disappoint if they cannot live up to these ideals. This socialization follows people throughout their lives with a continual impact. While influencing one another is human nature, people must take care to steward positivity in their relationships, considering the implications of every interaction they have.
If a person is often told they are mean-spirited, it is rare for none of that sentiment to seep into how they perceive themselves. This concept is reflected in aspirations as well. For example, some women are socialized their whole lives to accept that their place is to be nothing more than a wife and mother, dissuading them from pursuing other desires. Conversely, a person’s talent and intelligence can be emphasized, fostering a sense of capability and ambition. People’s expectations for themselves are tempered by the expectations placed on them by others.
When people are young, they do not always get the option to surround themselves with positive influences. But, as they age, they can work to embrace the good that has been fostered in them and outgrow that which has hindered them. If one makes it a priority to steward positivity in those around them, they can ensure that others never have to overcome a complex they had a hand in creating.