Leap Again

on resilience in uncertain times

Photo by Ananya Ganni on Unsplash

Leaping Again

Have you ever used a pendulum before? Maybe in science class all those years ago? There is a lesson there for us all: no matter how far circumstances or emotions swing us in one direction or another, there’s always a pull to return to a stable, centred state. I’ve been thinking a lot about the ability to realign with balance despite external or internal forces, and it has to do with a word that I consider a far better alternative to hope. Resilience.

Resilience is a force within us all, sort of like gravity for a pendulum. It can draw us back to our own equilibrium—the only thing we truly have control over—even when life seems to be swinging wildly all around us. Even when the swings seem out of control, even when something leaves us in utter disbelief, each swing can begin the journey back to center, an act of resilience. And, in a way, an act of resistance.

Photo by American Jael on Unsplash

The word resilience comes from the Latin verb resilire, which means "to rebound" or "to recoil.” The word is made up of the prefix re-, meaning "back, again", and the verb salīre, meaning "to jump, leap.” To leap again. When it comes to being a character trait, resilience is the ability to recover quickly from unfortunate circumstances or even illness. I think of my own experiences of some pretty big blows in my life, and my ability to stand up, brush the dust off my shoulder, and carry on. Right now I am trying to carry on from a shoulder injury after taking a hard fall that has affected my livelihood and is causing me a lot of pain. Wallowing is the easiest thing to do, but it doesn’t get me anywhere. Resilience is my ticket to healing swiftly and getting back to normal. I am sure you have many examples in your own life, too. For me, it is a far more potent form of hope, moving it from being a distant ideal into something active and tangible, and firmly rooted in the present. It reminds me that I can engage with life’s challenges in a way that is realistic and enduring, not just envisioning something better, or wishing for it, but actually moving toward it, step by tiny step, even when things feel very uncertain otherwise.

Photo by Javardh on Unsplash

Hope can often feel passive or future-focused, and while it seems to make people feel better to say, “I am hopeful,” it it’s not really a path forward, is it? Resilience embodies a steady persistence to hold on, to find ways to move forward, to rebuild, reimagine, to endure and evolve and to adapt or take action in response to whatever unfolds. Right now, adapting to my daily tasks when I cannot really use my dominant hand has taken some creativity and also acceptance of the reality of it—some things just have to wait. This is a state of quiet grit and determination, instead of the comfy and fluffy wish of hope.

Photo by Nick Page on Unsplash

I believe that resilience, during any time of upheaval or uncertainty in our lives, even during times of political and social uncertainty, especially in extremely polarised circumstances, can serve as a grounding, balancing force. It is hope transformed into superhero action. It can be clarity amidst what feels like chaos. A lightning bolt that can illuminate the path right in front of us even during the darkest storm. We don’t have to wait for things to improve, or hope for them to improve. So how do we invite resilience into our lives, to leap again, and get to work? Here are some ideas.

Prioritise Your Mental, Physical and Emotional Health

Creating a steady practice for our mental health is so important. Maybe this means daily meditation routines, journaling in a notebook (my personal saving grace), or keeping a space for creative expression that gives an outlet to thoughts and feelings that might otherwise become overwhelming. It also might mean tuning out to social media or the “news” for a few days at a time, and on a regular basis. Constant exposure to the news can create a heightened state of stress; we all know this by now. Setting limits on how much news you consume and finding reliable, factual sources (try https://www.semafor.com/ for an unbiased news source) can preserve your mental health. You’re more resilient when you aren’t carrying the weight of every update.

Good physical health is also foundational to resilience. Building a routine that incorporates nutrition, exercise, and rest (far more neglected than any other building block of good health) gives your body and mind a better chance to handle stress and stay balanced. Physical resilience helps create mental resilience, as the mind often follows the body’s lead in states of stress or ease. I know, for me, when I get outside and walk, even if I dread it, my mood improves tremendously and everything can feel far more positive. Something about being under that big sky that helps put things into perspective, and reminds me of the beauty that is always there for me. Resilience is about nurturing a sanctuary within, a place we can return to when things get rough. All of the ideas above can help with that.

Strengthen Your Local Community Bonds

While national politics can feel all-encompassing, our local communities can offer direct, tangible ways to be involved and helpful. Volunteering for a non-profit that serves our neighbours, supporting local businesses, and participating in neighbourhood groups all build networks of mutual support and TRUST that can counterbalance the impact of national policies. Also, subscribe to your local community newspaper. They are usually full of wonderful human interest stories and give you a pulse of what is happening right around you. If we can plant the seeds of our energy locally it can be really empowering, giving a sense of meaningful action and connection that can only ripple outward to affect the greater good.

Advocate for Causes Close to Your Own Heart

Channeling our energy into causes that align with our personal values can turn frustration into fuel. Whether it’s environmental, social, or economic issues, small consistent actions (like signing petitions, making calls, or writing postcards) can create a sense of agency. It’s a quiet act of standing firm for what you believe in, which can be grounding in and of itself. It is far more effective than battling your opinion against others on social media, and much more satisfying. What if you don’t know what causes are close to your heart? Reflecting on and writing down your core beliefs, priorities, and values can provide a starting point. These principles serve as your own North Star on the compass, reminding you where you stand amid the noise, making resilience not just about “bouncing back” but about staying anchored in your own truth.

Foster Creativity and Curiosity, and Embrace Flexible Thinking 

Creative practices offer a refuge and a way to process the world on your own terms. Whether through writing, art, music, or other forms, creating something of your own can foster resilience by giving expression to things that otherwise feel overwhelming. I think of it as a productive and helpful way of letting the steam out. Curiosity can keep you looking forward, too, finding new perspectives or pursuits that make the future more expansive. Resilience is about adapting to change rather than only resisting it. Practicing creative and flexible thinking—seeing challenges as opportunities, accepting things outside our control, and then finding alternative solutions—helps us keep momentum instead of feeling helpless. It’s a shift from “hope for the best” to “prepare to be versatile,” a stance that’s invaluable when the political or social environment is unpredictable.

Practice Compassionate Advocacy

Finding ways to advocate with compassion—whether in conversations with family or friends who have differing viewpoints, or within your community—fosters resilience by softening divisions rather than deepening them. Compassionate advocacy can be powerful and productive, creating space for real dialogue and potential change, one conversation at a time. Over and over again I have learned that we share far more in common than we realise. Keeping a resilient and open heart and mind goes a long way.

These practical ways are not about turning away from what’s difficult but learning how to withstand, adapt, and still thrive, making progress slowly but surely possible. Resilience is about maintaining your inner compass, taking action where you can, and finding strength in both self and community to navigate the unexpected and unknown. I would love to know your thoughts on resilience, and how you plan to leap, again. I have so much more to say, but that is for another day. I’m still seeking my own center, my own resilience. It gets stronger, and hopefully wiser, everyday. Even as I hope for the best.