I hear the concern from many parents about the impact of the current season and the impact it will have on their children. This has been a perfect storm of a global pandemic, isolation, physical distance from friends, and the intense tension of a very divided nation. It can feel like too much for anyone, especially a child developing into a teen. 

There’s a saying that sometimes it’s hard to tell the forest from the trees. In other words, when you are in the middle of something, it’s difficult to see the big picture. While there are times that I want to bubble wrap my kids, I also don’t want to lose sight of the life lessons they have the opportunity to be learning and living right now. 

In fact, I’m beginning to wonder that in the midst of all that is going on, if properly nurtured, a beautiful fruit could begin to bloom called resilience. 

What is resilience? It is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. 

It’s the difference between fragility, vulnerability and weakness into a place of new found strength. 

To rebound
To spring back 
To be flexible
To be durable

The human body, spirit and mind was created to withstand an incredible amount of pressure. Just think of what you have overcome in your lifetime. 

You are stronger than you think.

You are capable of outlasting.

You can rise. 

It’s not going to be easy, but requires a shift in our perspective.

1. Get outside and breathe in some fresh air. 
2. Remember the good you have to be grateful for. 
3. Take it one day at a time. 

Look closely at your children and don’t be afraid to ask them the tough questions to know what they are feeling and help them navigate the way forward. They are strong. They have big dreams on the inside of them, they will not be broken in this season. 

They just need to keep swimming with someone by their side.