Tapping Into Strength: The Role of Resilience and Self-Care
One of my favourite quotes is by Bob Marley: “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” I hold onto these words during difficult times and often share them with others who need a reminder of their inner power.
Strength is something we don’t always notice until we need it. Looking back at moments I thought I’d never survive—particularly my experience with burnout—it’s clear it was strength and resilience that got me through, even when I doubted myself.
These days, even though life is more balanced, challenges still come. In those moments, I often wonder where my strength comes from—but somehow, it shows up. And when I reflect, I see that I was stronger than I realised.
In my work with schools and colleges, I teach about resilience, often confused with strength. Resilience is the ability to bounce back. It’s what helps us tap into our strength and rely on the support around us to recover and move forward.
For me, self-care is the key to resilience. During burnout, it was the missing piece. Now, when I feel stretched, I return to the basics—reading a good book, enjoying a film, walking in the sun, or spending time with loved ones. These moments help me reset and reconnect with my strength.
Whether your self-care is running, yoga, or simply slowing down—whatever helps you recharge, do more of it when life feels tough.
Because strength gets us through—but it’s resilience, supported by self-care, that helps us find that strength when we need it most.
