I just got a call from my dear friend Emory Austin. We’ve known each other for years through the professional speaking community.
“Eileen,” Emory, said. “I’ve been thinking of you because I need to be working on my resilience”.
She now lives in an apartment as part of an independent living facility. An unexpected battle with cellulitis and A-fib (arterial fibrillation) landed her in the hospital.
What is Cellulitis?
For those who don’t know, cellulitis is usually a superficial infection of the skin. But if severe or left untreated, it can spread into the lymph nodes and bloodstream. Cellulitis usually affects the lower legs, but it can occur on the face, arms and other areas. The infection happens when a break in the skin allows bacteria to enter. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening.
The challenge for Emory is that treatment for the cellulitis can compromise the A-Fib. Likewise, she was desperate to go to her granddaughter Sarah’s wedding but her physical condition held her captive.
Upset, disappointed, and angry at her physical challenges, Emory said “I kept thinking about how cruel life was.” The next day, Emory called me and said “I need your help. You are the resilience expert.”
So, we talked. Here’s what I told her.
Practice These Steps of Resilience from the Hospital Bed
Practice #1: Seek adaptability.
Think about situations in your life that at⎯face value⎯were not great. What happened as a result of that situation?
Reality: Both Emory and I discussed such events… everything from divorce to breast cancer. In each case, we ended up discovering strengths we didn’t know we had and meeting amazing people we would never have met.
Practice #2: Envision the best possible outcome.
See it. Say it.
Reality: Emory talked about what would result from her being healed. Where might she travel? Whom might she see? What would it feel like? Her spirits improved just from this conversation.
Practice #3: Express gratitude.
Emory called me the following day. It seems that since she was unable to go to the wedding, she had a surprise visit from all three of her own children and their families plus, her sister and her family. For three hours, they talked, laughed, reminisced, and loved.
“That would never have happened at the actual wedding,” exclaimed Emory. “I am so thankful. My gratitude for this unexpected event knocked the wind out of me.”
Emory added, ‘When will I ever learn that a negative event is not final.”
I admit to being thrilled with how immediately things turned around for Emory. Granted, that’s not always the case. But I believe that this simple resilience practice can turn dark into grey and eventually into white light, even when practicing resiliency from a hospital bed.
What is your experience?
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