I recently learned about having a resilient mindset and thought you might be interested. Basically, it's the mental framework of someone who can adapt and bounce back from adversity, stress, and challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
I love this and generally feel like I'm in the resilience camp, but also yesterday, it started off bad and rather than trying to turn it around, I sort of leaned into it as a kind of reset. I did the few things I had to do during the day but then backed out of my evening plans, put on PJs, ordered pizza, and watched TV with my girls.
Hi Kristi, Sometimes that is the perfect response. It was for me the other night - it had been a long day and I had had enough. Got myself two cookies and read a book for the rest of the evening. It was precisely what was needed.
I am facing an eight-hour drive home today, plus a cookout this evening. The good news is that I just solved Wordle in three entries. I have decided not to rush my wife into hurriedly packing and rushing out the door of our B&B. I don't need to go to the cookout; I'll see most of these friends at our meeting tomorrow. So, I have remedied most of my "problems" before I have finished my first cup of coffee. Thank you, Janice, for this this.
Thank you for explaining the difference between positive and resilient mindsets Janice. I always struggled with positive psychology and more recent research has shown that it can have the opposite effect - make people more miserable and negative, rather than "positive". Resilience to me is one of life's most important skills. Not having it led to my poor health outcomes. Learning resilience is helping me heal. Thanks for sharing your precious wisdom Janice. 🙏🏼
Hi Silvana, it was a real eye-opener when I learned about the difference between the two. In reality, life is full of ups and downs, and this mindset has enabled me to learn and grow from both.
Hi Janice ~ when I was young, I used to think if you did things right everything would turn out well. I think my parents taught me that. Of course, it doesn't take long in adult life to learn that's not true. Ha! But I kept trying... It's only be later in life I've accepted there will be peaks & valleys in my life no matter what I do; people I love will die and I will keep getting older & older. Right now, I'm struggling watching my friends lose their ability to get around, their ability to think for themselves, etc. I know you lived that with your husband. I appreciate your newsletter because it helps keep me hopeful. xoxo
Hi Jan, That's the thing - there will be and are peaks and valleys in our lives, and I like the idea of learning from the valleys and making them easier to traverse - perhaps!
These are very good tips! I use most of them to get through my own days as a nearly 83-year-old woman who’s still co-owner of a small business, writing on Substack, and dealing with some health issues. My tip is for remembering why you are poking around in a room. If I lose the reason, I merely return to the place where I started, and almost 100% of the time, I remember why I went there and complete what I started. Aging can be FUN if it’s treated like an adventure.
It’s not too late and acceptance of our personal limitations helps us move forward with clarity and confidence. I take care of myself first now so I have something left to give to others. This was the most difficult for me to learn. I am so happy you are inspired!
Hi Careen and Taru, what a vital understanding about taking care of ourselves first, so we have something left to give to others. I'm 86 and have projects lined up for the next ten years as well.
Ah, the classic glasses hunt—I have a pair in every room (true story). Your shift from overwhelm to methodical problem-solving is so smart—resilience as practice, not just wishful thinking.
I'll tell you, Janice, any advice that offers me help with "learning from mistakes" is most welcome, because, well... I have made and continue to make a lot of mistakes! ha ha ha. Thanks for everything you do, sweet girl! More artwork, please!
Hi Sharron, I feel as if I am the queen of mistakes these days. For now, the artwork is connected to the Discussion posts, but that might change over time. I've been doing it for about five years - almost daily - and I literally have a closet full of painted canvases.
Thank you for this insightful article, Janice. The distinction between a positive and a resilient mindset really resonated with me. It’s a much more practical and empowering way to approach those inevitable 'bad days.' I appreciate you sharing your wisdom!
All good points & approaches, Janice. Thank you. Definitely, just another day at “the office,” wherever you spend your days. Makes all the difference to remember “this, too, shall pass” as your daily mantra. Be well…❤️
This is very important information. While I'm not very good at changing my mindset I have had some success recently. I've been able to catch myself in a negative talk loop, move my body and have a cold shower. Doing this often unlocks a better mindset for me.
I like the idea of a resilient mindset rather than a positive one. Sometimes being overly positive doesn't honour the fact that difficult crap is happening. Whereas a resilient one recognises and accepts this.
Well done Janice not easy to keep on top of things and you are doing well building your own resilience. Just published a book called, "Don't Act Your Age- Living younger can be age-defying' and building resilience is one of the key topics. Regards, Leigh
Janice, as always, your posts bless and inspire me! I feel you are indeed speaking from a position of authenticity because you’ve practiced what you’re preaching. I applaud you and look forward to your next post!
I recently learned about having a resilient mindset and thought you might be interested. Basically, it's the mental framework of someone who can adapt and bounce back from adversity, stress, and challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
I love this and generally feel like I'm in the resilience camp, but also yesterday, it started off bad and rather than trying to turn it around, I sort of leaned into it as a kind of reset. I did the few things I had to do during the day but then backed out of my evening plans, put on PJs, ordered pizza, and watched TV with my girls.
Hi Kristi, Sometimes that is the perfect response. It was for me the other night - it had been a long day and I had had enough. Got myself two cookies and read a book for the rest of the evening. It was precisely what was needed.
I am facing an eight-hour drive home today, plus a cookout this evening. The good news is that I just solved Wordle in three entries. I have decided not to rush my wife into hurriedly packing and rushing out the door of our B&B. I don't need to go to the cookout; I'll see most of these friends at our meeting tomorrow. So, I have remedied most of my "problems" before I have finished my first cup of coffee. Thank you, Janice, for this this.
Hi David, I love it.
Thank you for explaining the difference between positive and resilient mindsets Janice. I always struggled with positive psychology and more recent research has shown that it can have the opposite effect - make people more miserable and negative, rather than "positive". Resilience to me is one of life's most important skills. Not having it led to my poor health outcomes. Learning resilience is helping me heal. Thanks for sharing your precious wisdom Janice. 🙏🏼
Hi Silvana, it was a real eye-opener when I learned about the difference between the two. In reality, life is full of ups and downs, and this mindset has enabled me to learn and grow from both.
Hi Janice ~ when I was young, I used to think if you did things right everything would turn out well. I think my parents taught me that. Of course, it doesn't take long in adult life to learn that's not true. Ha! But I kept trying... It's only be later in life I've accepted there will be peaks & valleys in my life no matter what I do; people I love will die and I will keep getting older & older. Right now, I'm struggling watching my friends lose their ability to get around, their ability to think for themselves, etc. I know you lived that with your husband. I appreciate your newsletter because it helps keep me hopeful. xoxo
Hi Jan, That's the thing - there will be and are peaks and valleys in our lives, and I like the idea of learning from the valleys and making them easier to traverse - perhaps!
These are very good tips! I use most of them to get through my own days as a nearly 83-year-old woman who’s still co-owner of a small business, writing on Substack, and dealing with some health issues. My tip is for remembering why you are poking around in a room. If I lose the reason, I merely return to the place where I started, and almost 100% of the time, I remember why I went there and complete what I started. Aging can be FUN if it’s treated like an adventure.
Hi Tara, your post reminds me that we have to approach aging with a sense of humor as well. It sounds like you have found a way to do that.
A sense of humor’s been my saving grace, most of the time. There are times when elder health issues get me down, but I do come back and laugh again.
Hi Taru, I would be wise to rely on my sense of humor much more often.
Taru, I loved your comment. I’m approaching 81 and I have a list of things I hope to do in the next decade! People with similar attitudes inspire me!
It’s not too late and acceptance of our personal limitations helps us move forward with clarity and confidence. I take care of myself first now so I have something left to give to others. This was the most difficult for me to learn. I am so happy you are inspired!
Hi Careen and Taru, what a vital understanding about taking care of ourselves first, so we have something left to give to others. I'm 86 and have projects lined up for the next ten years as well.
Ah, the classic glasses hunt—I have a pair in every room (true story). Your shift from overwhelm to methodical problem-solving is so smart—resilience as practice, not just wishful thinking.
Hi Janine, Me too.
I love this, such great reframing. Positivity can often feel empty, annoying, or toxic.
Hi Stephanie, Good point about positivity - somehow, for me, it was lacking.
I'll tell you, Janice, any advice that offers me help with "learning from mistakes" is most welcome, because, well... I have made and continue to make a lot of mistakes! ha ha ha. Thanks for everything you do, sweet girl! More artwork, please!
Hi Sharron, I feel as if I am the queen of mistakes these days. For now, the artwork is connected to the Discussion posts, but that might change over time. I've been doing it for about five years - almost daily - and I literally have a closet full of painted canvases.
Thank you for this insightful article, Janice. The distinction between a positive and a resilient mindset really resonated with me. It’s a much more practical and empowering way to approach those inevitable 'bad days.' I appreciate you sharing your wisdom!
Hi Tom, that distinction made a world of difference to me as well.
All good points & approaches, Janice. Thank you. Definitely, just another day at “the office,” wherever you spend your days. Makes all the difference to remember “this, too, shall pass” as your daily mantra. Be well…❤️
Hi Anita, You too, be well!!
This is very important information. While I'm not very good at changing my mindset I have had some success recently. I've been able to catch myself in a negative talk loop, move my body and have a cold shower. Doing this often unlocks a better mindset for me.
Hi Donna, Negative self-talk plays a significant role, that's for sure.
I like the idea of a resilient mindset rather than a positive one. Sometimes being overly positive doesn't honour the fact that difficult crap is happening. Whereas a resilient one recognises and accepts this.
Hi Cali, That's exactly the way I saw it.
Well done Janice not easy to keep on top of things and you are doing well building your own resilience. Just published a book called, "Don't Act Your Age- Living younger can be age-defying' and building resilience is one of the key topics. Regards, Leigh
Hi Leigh, I totally agree with your point about resilience.
Janice, as always, your posts bless and inspire me! I feel you are indeed speaking from a position of authenticity because you’ve practiced what you’re preaching. I applaud you and look forward to your next post!
Hi Careen, Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for taking the time to read my thoughts.
Danilo, My pleasure.