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The Four Stages of Competence and Personal Growth

The Four Stages of Competence model, developed by Martin M. Broadwell in 1969, provides a framework for understanding the process of acquiring new skills or knowledge. This model can be applied not only to learning specific tasks but also to personal growth and transformation after traumatic experiences.

Stage 1: Unconscious Incompetence

In this initial stage, an individual is unaware of their lack of knowledge or skill in a particular area. They are oblivious to their incompetence and may even overestimate their abilities.[2] In the context of personal growth, this stage represents a state of unawareness or denial about the need for change or self-improvement.

Stage 2: Conscious Incompetence

At this stage, the individual becomes aware of their deficiencies and recognizes the gap between their current state and the desired level of competence.[2] This realization can be uncomfortable and even painful, as it challenges one’s self-perception and confidence. In the realm of personal growth, this stage often follows a traumatic event or crisis that forces an individual to confront their limitations or unhealthy patterns.

Stage 3: Conscious Competence

In this stage, the individual actively engages in learning and practicing the new skill or knowledge. They are consciously aware of their progress and the effort required to improve.[3] Regarding personal growth, this stage involves actively working on self-improvement, seeking support, and implementing new strategies or behaviors to overcome challenges and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Stage 4: Unconscious Competence

At this final stage, the individual has mastered the skill or knowledge to the point where it becomes second nature, requiring little conscious effort.[1] In the context of personal growth, this stage represents a state of integration and embodiment of the positive changes, where the new behaviors or mindsets have become ingrained and automatic.

The Four Stages of Competence model can be particularly relevant in the context of post-traumatic growth, which refers to the positive psychological changes that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event or adversity.[4] The process of post-traumatic growth often involves moving through these stages:

  1. Initially, individuals may be in a state of unconscious incompetence, unaware of the need for personal growth or change (Stage 1).
  2. The traumatic event or crisis forces them to confront their limitations, vulnerabilities, or unhealthy coping mechanisms, leading to conscious incompetence (Stage 2).
  3. Through therapy, self-reflection, and active efforts, individuals work on developing new perspectives, skills, and behaviors, entering the conscious competence stage (Stage 3).
  4. Over time, the positive changes become integrated and automatic, leading to unconscious competence and a sense of personal growth and resilience (Stage 4).

By understanding the Four Stages of Competence, individuals can better navigate the process of personal growth and post-traumatic transformation. It provides a framework for recognizing and embracing the discomfort of conscious incompetence as a necessary step towards growth, and it offers a roadmap for the journey towards embodying positive changes and achieving a sense of mastery over one’s life.[1][3]

Citations:
[1] https://www.mentaltoughness.partners/stages-of-competence/
[2] https://blog.hptbydts.com/in-a-nutshell-four-stages-of-competence
[3] https://scottjeffrey.com/four-stages-of-learning/
[4] https://www.businessballs.com/self-awareness/conscious-competence-learning-model/
[5] https://themindcollection.com/four-stages-of-competence/

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Faith is a Guiding Light Through Dark Seasons

How Individual and Couples Can Find Strength Through Shared Faith

Life’s journey is often marked by unexpected twists and turns, presenting us with challenges that can test our resilience and inner strength. In the face of adversity, many individuals and couples turn to faith as a source of solace, guidance, and empowerment. Experts across various fields have recognized the profound impact that faith can have on our ability to navigate life’s difficulties with grace and fortitude.

“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark,” said Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet and philosopher. This sentiment resonates deeply, as faith can provide a glimmer of hope and clarity even in the darkest of times, illuminating the path forward.

Dr. Kendra Cherry, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes the role of faith in fostering resilience: “Faith can serve as a powerful coping mechanism, offering individuals a sense of purpose and meaning, even in the midst of adversity. It can provide a framework for understanding and accepting life’s challenges, enabling them to persevere with greater strength and determination.”

For couples facing shared struggles, faith can be a unifying force, strengthening their bond and enabling them to support one another through difficult times. “Faith has the power to bring couples together, fostering a deeper emotional connection and shared understanding,” explains Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert. “It can provide a common language and set of values to navigate challenges as a team, reinforcing their commitment to one another.”

Faith can also play a crucial role in promoting mental and emotional well-being. “Spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or contemplation, can have a calming effect on the mind and body,” says Dr. Lisa Miller, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University. “These practices can help individuals and couples find inner peace, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate a sense of gratitude and acceptance, even in the face of adversity.”

Moreover, faith-based communities often provide a supportive network, offering practical assistance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. “Being part of a faith community can be a powerful source of strength,” notes Dr. Harold Koenig, a leading researcher in the field of spirituality and health. “It can provide a safe space for individuals and couples to share their experiences, receive encouragement, and access resources to help them navigate life’s challenges.”

While faith can manifest in various forms and traditions, its essence lies in the belief in something greater than oneself, a guiding force that transcends the physical realm. As Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and author, eloquently states, “Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty.”

In the tapestry of life, faith can serve as a powerful thread, weaving together hope, resilience, and inner strength. Whether facing personal struggles, relationship challenges, or shared adversities, embracing faith can provide individuals and couples with a profound sense of purpose, guidance, and the fortitude to navigate life’s complexities with grace and courage.

Here is an exercise to help couples discuss and share their faith with each other:

Faith Sharing Exercise

The goal of this exercise is to create a safe, open space for you and your partner to share your personal faith journeys, beliefs, and spiritual practices with one another. It is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of each other’s spiritual selves and find ways to honor and support one another’s faith within your relationship.

Materials Needed:

  • A quiet, comfortable space free from distractions
  • A small object or item that holds spiritual significance for each partner (e.g., a religious symbol, a meaningful photograph, a cherished book, etc.)

Instructions:

  1. Begin by setting an intention for the exercise. You may choose to light a candle, say a prayer, or engage in a brief meditation to create a sense of reverence and openness.
  2. Take turns sharing your spiritual item with your partner. Explain what the item represents and why it holds significance for you in your faith journey.
  3. After sharing the item, take turns responding to the following prompts:
  • Describe your earliest memory or experience related to faith or spirituality.
  • What role did faith play in your upbringing and family life?
  • How has your faith evolved or changed over time?
  • What aspects of your faith or spiritual beliefs bring you the most comfort or strength?
  • Are there any specific practices, rituals, or traditions that are particularly meaningful to you?
  • How do you envision faith playing a role in our relationship and family life?
  1. As your partner shares, practice active listening without judgment or interruption. Seek to understand their perspective and experiences with an open heart and mind.
  2. After each partner has had the opportunity to share, engage in an open dialogue. Discuss any similarities or differences in your faith journeys, beliefs, or practices. Explore ways you can support and honor each other’s spiritual needs within your relationship.
  3. Conclude the exercise by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share and learn more about each other’s spiritual selves. You may choose to hold hands, embrace, or engage in a closing ritual or prayer that feels meaningful to both of you.

Remember, this exercise is not about convincing or converting one another but rather about fostering a deeper understanding, respect, and appreciation for each other’s spiritual paths. Approach the exercise with an open mind, a compassionate heart, and a willingness to listen and learn from one another.

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When Your Children Are Hurt By Other Children

As parents, it can be difficult to see our children experience hurt feelings, especially when it comes from their friendships. Whether it’s a disagreement with a friend, feeling left out, or experiencing betrayal, children can be deeply affected by these emotional challenges. However, there are several ways parents can support their children through these difficult times and help them healthily navigate their emotions.

1. Encourage open communication:

  • Create a safe and welcoming environment for your child to express their feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to feel hurt and that you are there to listen without judgment.

2. Validate their feelings:

  • Acknowledge and validate your child’s emotions. Let them know that it’s normal to feel hurt and that their feelings are important.

3. Offer empathy and understanding:

  • Show empathy by putting yourself in your child’s shoes and understanding the situation from their perspective. This can help your child feel heard and supported.

4. Help them identify their emotions:

  • Guide your child in identifying and understanding their emotions. Encourage them to express how they feel and help them label their emotions, such as sadness, anger, or disappointment.

5. Teach problem-solving skills:

  • Help your child brainstorm possible solutions to the situation that caused their hurt feelings. Encourage them to think of ways to resolve the issue or improve the friendship.

6. Foster resiliency:

  • Teach your child that experiencing setbacks in friendships is a normal part of life and that they have the strength to bounce back from these challenges. Encourage them to see the situation as an opportunity for growth.

7. Encourage healthy coping mechanisms:

  • Guide your child in using healthy coping strategies, such as engaging in enjoyable activities, spending time with supportive friends, or practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

8. Role model healthy communication and conflict resolution:

  • Demonstrate positive communication and conflict resolution skills in your own interactions. Children often learn by example, and seeing healthy conflict management at home can have a positive impact on their own behavior.

9. Support their social skills development:

  • Help your child develop their social skills by teaching them about empathy, active listening, and the importance of respecting others’ feelings and boundaries.

10. Seek professional help if needed:

  • If your child’s hurt feelings persist or significantly impact their well-being, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional who specializes in working with children.

By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, parents can play a crucial role in helping their children navigate the complex terrain of friendships and hurt feelings. Through open communication, empathy, and guidance, parents can empower their children to develop resilience and healthy coping skills, ultimately helping them build strong and fulfilling relationships in the future. Remember that every child is unique, and it’s important to tailor your approach to your child’s individual needs and temperament.

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Let’s make 2024 The Year for Self-Care

Welcome to The Year For Self-Care

Embrace a transformative journey of self-discovery and well-being. This year, prioritize yourself with our comprehensive self-care resources and guidance. From mindfulness practices to nurturing self-compassion, we’re here to support you every step of the way. You can get free and low-cost tools for building resiliency and self-care at FamilyHealer.tv

What We Offer:

  • Guided Self-Care Practices: Access a wealth of resources, from meditation techniques to stress-relief strategies, designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
  • Community Support: Connect with like-minded individuals and share your journey towards holistic well-being. Join a community of individuals committed to self-care and personal growth.
  • Expert Insights: Benefit from expert advice and insights on self-care, mental health, and creating a balanced lifestyle. Gain valuable knowledge to enhance your self-care journey.

Become a More Resilient Individual:

In a world where resilience is tested and challenges abound, 2024 beckons as the Year for Self-Care, especially for those who have weathered the storms of adversity. This year, let us champion the art of self-care as a beacon of hope and healing, a sanctuary for the soul. It’s a call to nurture our well-being and fortify our spirits, embracing moments of tranquility amidst life’s turbulence.

For individuals who have faced adversity, 2024 offers a profound opportunity to prioritize self-care, mend the spirit, and cultivate inner strength. Let this year be a testament to the power of self-compassion, a time to tend to our emotional landscapes with gentleness and grace. As we embark on this journey of self-care, may we discover the resilience that thrives within us, emerging from adversity with renewed vitality and a profound sense of well-being.

Amidst the ebb and flow of life, 2024 invites us to champion our own self-care, to cultivate a garden of inner peace and fortitude. Let this be the year where self-care becomes a cornerstone, a guiding light through the labyrinth of adversity, illuminating the path toward healing and empowerment.

Prioritizing Parental Self-Care:

Amid the beautiful chaos of parenting, parents must prioritize their well-being. This year, we invite you to embark on a journey of self-care tailored to the unique needs of parents. From nurturing your mental resilience to finding moments of tranquility, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Why Parental Self-Care Matters:

  • Nurturing Resilience: By prioritizing self-care, parents can build the mental and emotional resilience needed to navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood.
  • Setting an Example: When parents practice self-care, they demonstrate to their children the importance of taking care of oneself, fostering a culture of well-being within the family.
  • Recharging for Better Parenting: Taking time for self-care allows parents to recharge, leading to increased patience, empathy, and overall well-being, which positively impacts their parenting.

Join Us in Prioritizing Self-Care:

Make this the year you invest in yourself. Experience the profound impact of self-care on your life and well-being. It’s time to nurture yourself and embark on a fulfilling path towards personal wellness.

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This is the Year of Letting Go of Resentments

Resentments are defined as the “bitter indignation at being mistreated.” It is a hard feeling that creates discontent, hostility, bitterness, and an inability to trust others.

It is destructive to relationships because it is a hook to the traumatic events of the past. When we are tied to our histories, we cannot fully enjoy the present, and the future feels like a painful rerun. We make vows that we will never let anyone hurt us like we were hurt before. Unfortunately, these vows isolate and insulate us from loving relationships.

Resentment is connected to our ego. Our ego needs to be correct, and it needs to be good. When we experience trauma, it can strip away our dignity, causing us to get needs met in unhealthy ways or won’t allow anyone else to help meet those needs. We believe that “I can do it all by myself” but it feels safer when we are alone. Unfortunately, cutting others out of our lives is a very lonely life.

Resentment can also keep us stuck in a victim role. Victims need abusers to maintain this position. Therefore, our ego will fault others, reinforce the belief that people “can’t be trusted”, and only see the negative in the circumstances. We will gravitate to rescuers to make us feel good and validate our victim-mindedness.

WRITE BRAIN/RIGHT BRAIN:

Write about ways resentment keeps you stuck in the past. What are the struggles you have experienced that make trusting others difficult? Have you chosen to be right over having a relationship? Journal about ways to select connections first. Visualize what the world of your ego looks like, who lives there, and what beliefs you take as truth in your ego world.

How can you imagine a new, different world where you feel safe and secure? How would you do it this time if you could do a situation over? Have a chat with your “ego” and offer it comfort and seek what it needs to care for it healthily?

Explore your resiliency. You didn’t want to go through tough times, but you got through them. What strengths did you discover about yourself? How did this challenging experience change your priorities? Celebrate how you have grown instead of feeding the monster of resentment.

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6 Benefits of Starting Self-Care In Your Life

Self-care refers to any attitude or activity we participate in to keep up and support our wellbeing, including mental, physical and spirit. Although everyone agrees with the importance of it, self-care frequently gets thrown away for the demands like work, family and the other pressing factors of life. The time to start self-care is today. Yes, right now!

Self-care doesn’t interrupts your life or take time away from your busy schedule. It benefits it and re-energies you. Here are a six simple reasons you should start benefiting form self-care:

  1. Improves state of mind

Putting time in your own consideration can significantly affect your state of mind, prompting more noteworthy hopefulness and inspiration. It will assist you with feeling more joyful, more fulfilled and better ready to adapt to the difficulties that life tosses you way. In any event, taking a limited quantity of time each week to sustain your physical, passionate and psychological wellness can be tremendously advantageous on your state of mind.

  1. Creates connections

Self-care assists you with being the best individual you can be, which has a positive effect on your connections. Setting aside standard effort to put resources into your own wellbeing permits you to be more joyful and more steady as a person. This permits you to be more persistent and obliging with others and along these lines have better connections.

  1. Diminishes hazard of burnout

Most Americans are over-worked and so self-care is important to keep away from burnout. Discover a type of self-care that works for you, regardless of whether that be going for a stroll, investing energy with family or getting a back rub, and focus on participating in it consistently. It will assist with dealing with your pressure and prevent burnout.

  1. Causes you to be more present

Investing energy overseeing yourself permits you to turn out to be more present and drawn in with your environmental factors. You are probably going to have a superior comprehension of the stuff to keep up your psychological, physical and passionate wellbeing, in this way bringing about you having a more prominent spotlight on your present mind-set and trigger that can possibly affect your wellbeing.

  1. Better execution on your goals

Self-care is frequently seen as an afterthought or luxury. The truth is that it is a requirement for better health and wellness. Taking care of yourself increases your capacity in every area of life: work, family, and sport. If you don’t get enough sleep, you are going to drag at work and miss deadlines. If you don’t meditate each day you will be grumpy and react more to others. Good diet, exercise, and time to yourself will help you focus more, stay more motivated, and finish tasks.

  1. Builds personal happiness/satisfaction

The general advantage of self-care is that it builds the quality of your life. That is probably obvious by now but it not only improves things around you, it improves your identity. Wouldn’t you like to be happier? You can be on the journey for this if you keep this as your focus and your develop habits that promote happiness. Hey, you could read on happiness research for just 5 minutes per day. Try it and see happens in just one week. Why not start now?

Let Ron Huxley help you by scheduling an appointment today to change the negative patterns of your life and transform you relationships into greater satisfaction and joy.

You can get more help on parenting, trauma, and anxiety with online courses at http://familyhealer.tv

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Reflections for Resiliency: I Live A Worry-Free Lifestyle

In order to develop a more resilient sense of self, Ron Huxley has created a new series called “Reflections for Resiliency”. The reflections are free to use for your inner development and self-care. This is a sample of what you will get in a new course on resilience at FamilyHealer.tv, coming Fall 2020.

In this first blog on personal reflections, Ron Huxley provides direction on living a worry-free life. Use them as proclamations over your life and shift the atmosphere of your home and relationships. Use a journal along side each reflection to write our thought own thoughts and feelings. Answer the Self-Reflection Questions at the end to help you apply them to your life.

You can download a PDF version of this reflection : Click Here!

Be sure to share this blog post with your family and friends…

I Live A Worry-Free Life

There is no better way to live than to live a life full of joy, health, peace, and happiness.

I choose to live a worry-free life because I know that anxiety crowds out productivity. I can and do plan for the future, but I realize that the only moment I can control is the present.

I use the creativity and wisdom I have gained from my experiences to make the best plans I can for the future. I realize, however, that even the most carefully laid plans are just ideas – figments of my imagination susceptible to factors outside my control. By acknowledging that I have no control over the future, I free myself from the dead end of worry.

I choose to conserve my mental and emotional energy by keeping my focus on the reality of what is in front of me. I make the most of this moment and trust that I will be able to handle the next when it comes.

When my focus is on this moment, I am alert and able to recognize the people who are invaluable to me. When my focus is on this moment, I am able to take advantage of new opportunities that come my way and create a life that is rich and rewarding.

By letting go of worry, I free myself to use my energy to be productive in the here and now.

Self-Reflection Questions:

  1. Am I wasting time fretting about something that is outside my control? Why?
  2. What do I realistically gain by worrying?
  3. What can I do, today, to help me live a worry-free life?
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Building Family Resiliency (Video)

Parent Connection Coach and Educator Ron Huxley, L.M.F.T., is here to help you and your family build resiliency during these stressful times.
Watch the video and learn how to:
1. Gain new perspectives.
2. Teach your children to be problem solversHelp parents become resiliency coaches and avoid power struggles.
3. Eliminate negative game playing to develop loving and cooperative relationships.

Ron Huxley has over 30 years experience helping families heal and serves as a parent coach and educator with Parent Connection of San Luis Obispo County. In his capacity as a parent coach, Ron specializes in working with families who’ve experienced trauma. He believes in taking a strength-based approach that builds on solutions and he creates strategies that fit each family situation in the shortest time necessary.  


Ron Huxley is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing trauma-informed therapy for individuals and families. Currently practicing on the Central Coast of California, Ron travels internationally educating parents and professionals on trauma-informed care.

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Are You Mentally Tough?

How quickly can you bounce back from difficult situations? 

Do you feel like you thrive from day to day or is it challenging to just survive each day? 

Resiliency is a popular term in today’s world of positive psychology. The goal is to discover what works and how to use that quality, skill, or mental strategy to feel more effective and capable. 

> Watch Ron Huxley’s video on “The Road to Resilience” here.

Unfortunately, when we experience trauma, we develop protective programs, layered deep in our nervous system, that want to avoid situations that might put us in danger or extreme stress/threat. We want to emphasize that this is a protective program and not a negative one, but that it can continue to play out in our lives and relationships, that is no longer needed in our lives. Being aware we have these program helps us address them which opens a door to learning how to adapt. 

This process of being aware, addressing difficult issues, and learning to adapt is just one way we can increase our mental toughness. 

Mental toughness is about courage, not perfection. 

Facing difficulties, after going through traumatic experiences takes courage. Fighting against our own inner protective programs is hard. Taking risks to trust again is tough. Learning to believe in a hope-filled future seems impossible. This isn’t perfection. It is about the process requiring a change of heart. In faith-based terms, we call this transformation. 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

This verse describes that mental toughness or resilience is an inside job. It doesn’t come from outer performance. It comes from an inner transformation of beliefs about ourselves and the world. It can’t be sustained by an external force. True, lasting toughness comes from a conversation of our will. 

> Watch Ron Huxley’s video on “Faith-Based Trauma Therapy” here.

Kelly McGonical, in her book, The Upside of Stress, doesn’t view stressful events as good or bad. She claims that true resiliency comes from finding the good in the stressful situation and learning new ways to deal with challenges. It isn’t that you have to go through trials in order to learn how to deal with them. We all go through tough times. It is how you react to what you can’t control that helps us be mentally tough. 

Viktor Frankl, Psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor stated: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of his human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances. To choose one’s way (1959).”

Our ability to choose – what we call our will – is the key to bouncing back and moving forward. It is where we find our true freedom. In my own Christian walk, I have found that it is the “truth that sets us free (John 8:32). Trauma not only overwhelms the nervous system, programs protective emotional programs deep within us, it also redefines our identity. 

> Learn more about how trauma affects a child’s brain and development here.

John O’Donohue, contemporary priest, poet, and philosopher, encourages us with the words: “Your identity is not equivalent to your biography. There is a place in you where you have never been wounded, where there’s a seamlessness in you, and where there is a confidence and tranquility. Your life becomes the shape of the days you inhabit.”

Another step to mental toughness is to express daily gratitudes. A lot of scientific studies have been done on gratitude and it has become an foundational tool for shifting our negative attitude in psychology and spirituality. 

> Invite Ron Huxley to speak to your organization or at your next event on Trauma and Trauma-formed Care here.

Try using the Center for Healing Minds exercise called the 5-3-1 Gratitude Practice:

5… Meditate 5 minutes a day focusing on the breath or taking a break from your to-do list to de-stress and calm the mind. You can use various online videos and apps to help with this process. 

3… Write done 3 good things that happened today. Research suggests a positive relationship between gratitude and higher levels of resilience. 

1… Do 1 act of kindness per day. Hold the door open for the person coming into a store behind you, pay someone a compliment, be generous in your tipping.  

Gratitude blesses others and transforms the inner life of the giver. 

Mental toughness is the ability to bounce back, move forward, and shifts negative perspectives. It is how we resist, manage, and overcome difficult moments in our lives. We need it to feel renewed hope following trials and traumas that have impacted our inner self. 

> Take free online courses on Trauma-Informed Care, Parenting, and Anxiety at http://FamilyHealer.tv

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Do you wish you were more resilient?

Take a moment to think about a happy moment in your life. It could have been a moment that occurred recently or a long time ago.

Perhaps it was when you or a family member graduated or when you got a promotion to the job of your dreams or when you asked someone out on a date and they said “yes” or when a new child is born.

What feelings did you have when this moment occurred? What is it joy, excitement, or surprise? How positive did you feel about yourself and your future? Probably great, right?

Now think about a tough situation that happened to you? What feelings did you experience then and how well did you feel about yourself and your future? Obviously, not as great as the positive experiences.

We all have good times and bad times in our lives but some people seem to be able to “bounce back” from tough times better than others. Some people can still feel optimistic about their future despite bad times.

We would call these people “resilient.” It is a desired quality to survive all the ups and downs in life. Those who have it, have an advantage at home, work, and life. If you don’t have a lot, then you feel all the pain of living in a much more dramatic way. Do you want more resiliency?

How do you get it? Is it purely genetics? Can you learn skills to improve it? Is it all chance, a luck of the draw?

Resilience is an interactive process between the characteristics of the person and the environment in which they live. Genetics does make a difference but they are not the only factor. They can make us more sensitive to negative experiences, like child maltreatment, parental neglect, the witness of violence, poverty, job loss, illness, etc. Our particular temperaments make us more or less vulnerable to the stress and trauma. Our bodily chemistry manages the expression of stress responses which affects our viewpoints about our circumstances and self-image. 

This is just one variable in the science of resilience. The other, equally important factor, is the quality of our relationships. Stress can be managed when we have loving, caring, healthy people in our lives to help us through it. Research demonstrates that even if there is only one person who can support us we are more likely to cope with difficult events.

For example, if a child turns to the loving neighbor whenever dad is drunk and angry or mom and dad fight or mom too depressed to make dinner, then that child will have a greater capacity to “bounce back.” We call this type of person, a “cookie person” who offers warm, fresh cookies to eat when times are hard. Did you or do you have a “cookie person” that you can turn to when overwhelmed?

Unfortunately, not everyone has a “cookie person” in their lives. When a natural helper is not available people have to search our professional helpers, like therapists, teachers, and school counselors to help them. These professionals can offer a listening ear as well as teach skills to manage anger, improve parenting, manage finances, and navigate through community resources. This type of support balances out the negative situations to create more positive outcomes.

The most powerful truth, when it comes to building resilience, is that we are social beings that need other people. We thrive in healthy relationships. If we didn’t get this in childhood, we can still develop it in later life. Attachment researchers call this later development “earned security.”

A Zen saying that illustrates resiliency that comes from warm, social interactions is…

“If there is light in the soul, there is beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house. If there is harmony in the house, then there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world!”

Can one person make a difference in the world? Yes. Are you that one person to one other person? Who can you turn to in your natural environment or who can you contact to help you professionally and create more resiliency in your life?

Get more resiliency tools in the Trauma Toolbox at http://FamilyHealerSchool.com

Need a speaker or consultant to help your organization become trauma-informed? Contact Ron Huxley today at rehuxley@gmail.com