Adaptability and Flexibility: Why the Human Spirit Endures

Photo by Rehook Bike

What does it mean to be relentlessly resilient? The human spirit is surprisingly robust and enduring and can go through a wallop and never stand down.

Will your courage endure, or will your hands be strong when I deal with you? 

– Ezekiel 22:14

Life is always full of surprises, either terrible or hilarious. And we each get a measure of both throughout our lives. Although, where it falls may depend on your perspective. 

So, let me talk about an experience I had back before the pandemic began–so, you know, this was a long time ago. It was a sunny afternoon in July. I’d just come back from a meetup with some friends, and I was now walking down the street, feeling pretty good about myself and my lot in life. 

Suddenly, I got a call. 

It was from my boss. Good bloke, if a bit too blunt with stuff. He was calling to inform me that I was on the list of people who were likely to be laid off. I was devastated. My mind stopped working for a bit, and I remember that I just told him, okay, before hanging up.

Six years. I’d been working there for six years, and I was even told a year ago that I had the best chance of getting promoted from my group of hires. I didn’t know what happened in the interim between then and now. 

I knew the company was going through some things, but I didn’t know it was that bad. 

I felt lost, confused, and a whole slurry of other emotions. I didn’t know what to do next. To cut a long story short, I’ll just tell you that I spiraled into a very low place in my life at that point and had even considered making a rushed exit.

Why the Human Spirit Endures

Looking back, I now realize that there was some bit of resilience inside me that I didn’t know, and that helped me overcome that difficult time. 

I didn’t let the layoff roll me over and bury myself in anxiety and worry (although I’m still wracked by those from time to time–I’m only human). Instead, I used it to explore new career options, improve my skills, and ultimately land a better job.

Through this experience, I learned that setbacks are a part of life, but it’s how we respond to them that matters most in the long run. Being resilient and staying positive can help us overcome the toughest challenges that life has to offer.

The human spirit is incredibly resilient; it’s harder than diamonds. It can bounce back from even the most difficult of circumstances. This resilience is what allows us to overcome challenges and helps us grow as individuals.

I’ve seen the resilience of the human spirit firsthand in my own life. I’ve experienced some tough times, but I’ve always managed to find the strength to keep going. 

No matter what life throws your way, you can always find a way to persevere.

Adaptability and Flexibility

If you want to be more resilient, these are perhaps some small but helpful things you can do daily:

• Develop a positive mindset. A positive attitude can help you see the light at the end of the tunnel, even when things are tough. Always look on the bright side of things.
• Build strong relationships. Cherish your family and friends. Having people who care about you and support you can make a big difference in your ability to cope with stress and adversity. 
• Take care of yourself. While the spirit can endure, it can only do so with a healthy vessel, i.e., your body, and that means taking care of your physical health as well as your mentality. 
• Find meaning and purpose in your life. A sense of purpose and a spirit of adventure can give you the strength to keep going, even when difficult.

People with Enduring Spirits

While I’ve told my story, it is ultimately something that only fully resonates with me. Of course, that does not mean that we shouldn’t be reading up or listening to other people’s stories; it just means that we should be more appreciative when we do get the chance to. 

So, here are some examples of people who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and whose stories are worth knowing about:

• Malala Yousafzai. This young Pakistani woman was shot by the Taliban simply for advocating that girls had the right to education. Her struggle is a deeply poignant and relevant one during these times. Because of her activism, she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
• Nick Vujicic. This Australian-American man was born with the rare tetra-amelia syndrome, a condition that left him born without arms or legs. Yet, despite his physical limitations, he became a successful motivational speaker, author, and a bright example of the enduring light that all humans have in their souls.
• Nelson Mandela. This South African man was imprisoned for 27 years for fighting against the brutal apartheid regime of South Africa. He was humiliated, and the rights of his people were violated. If he became a firebrand after his release, I think we would all understand why, but he never gave up on his dream of a more equitable and peaceful South Africa. He was the first black president of his country.

These stories are just a few examples of the relentlessly resilient human spirit. Whatever you encounter in life, it is only with persistence that you can overcome it and strive for a better future.