Resilience: The Art of Doing Hard Things Well
Episode Overview
Resilience involves doing hard things well. Coddling removes consequences, hindering growth. Belittling uses fear and shame, stifling development. Cultivating resilience requires courage and empathy. Life's trials can lead to personal strength.
Cultivating resilience is learning how to do hard things well.
This episode of Relational Recovery is like a heartfelt chat with old friends who know a thing or two about life's ups and downs. Hosts Wes Thompson and Austin Hill dive into the delicate dance between coddling and belittling, exploring how these extremes can hinder our ability to build resilience. Drawing from their rich experience in Christian spirituality and psychology, they share insights on how to foster resilience – that crucial skill of doing hard things well.
Wes and Austin kick off with some light banter, reminding us that even serious topics can be approached with a smile. They reflect on a recent staff meeting, where the concept of resilience took centre stage. Wes recounts a memorable conversation with his coach, Andrew, which revolved around parenting and the true desires we hold for our children. The realisation? Resilience is key, not shielding them from life's inevitable trials.
The duo unpacks the cultural tendencies of coddling and belittling, referencing Jonathan Haidt's book to highlight how society often swings between these extremes. Coddling, they explain, involves removing consequences and pain, while belittling uses fear and shame to push people forward. Both approaches miss the mark, as true resilience requires facing challenges head-on. With relatable anecdotes and a touch of humour, Wes and Austin urge listeners to embrace the middle path – cultivating resilience through courage and empathy.
Their conversation is a gentle reminder that life's trials can shape us into stronger individuals. So if you're looking for inspiration to tackle life's tough moments, this episode offers plenty of food for thought.