Every Small Shift Counts: A Reminder to Notice and Celebrate Your Resilience

How do I know if I am resilient?

This is a question many of us ask ourselves, especially during life’s most challenging moments. Instead of jumping to conclusions or comparing ourselves to others, I invite you to take a quiet journey inward. Reflect on how you relate to the challenges and hardships you’ve faced.

Life’s unexpected twists can feel overwhelming, and it’s completely natural to feel shaken or emotional during these moments. Let me remind you: feeling emotional is not a sign of weakness—it’s simply part of being human. What truly matters is what happens next. Do you notice a subtle, grounding shift as you begin to respond rather than react? This small yet powerful effort to bring yourself back to the present is a reflection of your inner strength.

I recently listened to a podcast featuring modern philosopher, Alain de Botton, who shared a thought-provoking idea: “True resilience should be compatible with things that don’t look resilient at all.” At first, this seems counterintuitive, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more it resonates. In my work as a mental health therapist, I’ve seen that true resilience doesn’t always look bold or heroic. In fact, it often shows up in quiet, unassuming ways that are easy to overlook. These subtle shifts are the foundation of lasting strength.

 

“Resilience means a generous understanding of how much madness has a legitimate claim on, even, a healthy life.” –Alain de Botton.

 

Here are are five ways resilience may already be showing up in your life—perhaps in ways you hadn’t realized before:
 

You Find Calm in the Storm 

Resilience isn’t about staying unshaken through every storm; it’s about finding moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Think about the last time you felt overwhelmed. Did you pause, even briefly, to take a few deep breaths before making a decision? That pause, no matter how small, is a testament to your inner strength. It shows your ability to ground yourself, process what’s happening, and choose a thoughtful response rather than reacting impulsively. It is a sign of resilience taking root in your life.

These small moments of calm are like anchors, helping you navigate even the roughest waters with steadiness and grace.

 

You're Growing Aware of Your Emotions

Resilience often begins with self-awareness. It takes courage to acknowledge difficult emotions—like frustration, sadness, or fear—without pushing them away or judging yourself for feeling them.

When you notice these emotions as they arise and give yourself space to process them, you’re cultivating clarity and emotional resilience. This awareness helps you respond thoughtfully rather than being swept away by the tides of your feelings.

 

You Choose Acceptance Over Resistance

Resilience is about learning to accept what you cannot control while focusing on what you can.

Instead of getting stuck in a cycle of “why is this happening to me?” resilience invites you to find peace with what is. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means choosing to adapt and move forward with purpose, no matter the circumstances.

 

You Begin Embracing Vulnerability as Strength

True resilience often looks like leaning into vulnerability; allowing yourself to feel uncomfortable emotions like sadness, disappointment, or fear. By doing so, you are laying down the bricks of resilience.

Each time you give yourself permission to reach out for help or admit you’re struggling, you’re strengthening your inner foundation. Vulnerability is essential for healing and growth because it connects you to your authentic self and the support of others.

 

You’re Gently Shifting Your Perspective

When you start viewing challenges as lessons rather than setbacks, resilience is taking root. This gentle and gradual shift from “why did this happen to me?” to “what can I take away from this?” shows you’re beginning to find value in difficult experiences. Resilience is not about avoiding challenges; it is about discovering opportunities for growth within them.

 

How Journaling Becomes A Companion in Resilience

Journaling is a wonderful tool for noticing these subtle signs of resilience and strengthening them over time. Writing down your thoughts and experiences helps you process your journey with compassion and self-awareness.

Try reflecting on a recent challenge:

• How did you respond?
• Did you find a moment of calm?
• Did you notice a change in your perspective?

By acknowledging even the smallest shifts, you're honoring your progress.

Tools to Rediscover Your Inner Strength 

At the end of the day, resilience isn’t an end goal—it’s a journey that unfolds with each small step. Every time you notice a moment of calm, practice self-compassion, or embrace a new perspective, you’re building your inner strength.

Celebrate these quiet victories. They are powerful reminders of the strength within you, guiding you through whatever life may bring.


About Our Author

Yanitrasari Widyastuti is a mental health therapist and wellness consultant with a background in psychology and counseling, dedicated to empowering others on their journey to well-being. She believes in the power of empathy to inspire self-discovery and growth. Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, she begins her day with a morning walk to her favorite spot for coffee, embracing small rituals that ground her in the present.