19/08/2026
Over the last couple of weeks, the word that keeps coming back to me is resilience.
Having our elderly Dad in hospital in Devon (we’re in Kent) has been a reminder that life can change very quickly, and that sometimes we need to find ways to keep going while carrying a lot of uncertainty.
It’s also made me think deeply about the importance of looking after my own nervous system. Those of us with chronic illnesses will really resonate with this too.
I’m learning that resilience isn’t about constantly being strong, pushing through, or pretending everything is okay. Because it isn’t. Sometimes resilience looks like slowing down - breathing. resting. Creating moments of calm. Paying attention to what my body and mind are telling me – listening to my body (as I’ve been telling our Dad too) and allowing myself to step away from the things I can’t control.
Self-care can feel like a luxury when there are other things that need our attention. Self-care isn’t selfish, it is a necessity. If we don’t show up for ourselves, we’ll not be in the best place to support others, closest to us. I’m realising that it’s actually part of how we sustain ourselves through difficult times. Put the oxygen mask on first, as the analogy goes.
We can care deeply for others and still need to care for ourselves.
So, over these past couple of weeks, I’ve been practising a little more compassion towards myself, a little less pressure, and a much greater awareness of what I need.
Because perhaps true resilience isn’t about never feeling overwhelmed.
Perhaps it’s about learning how to return to ourselves, again and again, even when life feels uncertain. 🤍