Lessons for Living       
Weekly Lesson: "Takes a Licking. Keeps on Ticking"

If you're anywhere near being a baby boomer, you'll recognize this as the well-worn slogan from 1960's Timex watch commercials. On live television, Timex watches were put through a variety of "torture" tests - like being strapped to the propeller of an outboard motor - and they always came through... "still ticking."

If you're not a baby boomer, think of the pink, non-stop Energizer Bunny that keeps "going and going and going."

These images reflect what resiliency means. It's being able to confront and overcome the adversities of life. It's being able to deal with change and keep going. The good news about resiliency is that it can be learned by following some simple advice.

First, accept change as normal. Don't become dismayed by it. You may not like what is occurring, but sometimes it's just the way life is. Change happens.

Be realistic about the situation. Don't magnify a problem into a catastrophe. Make the effort to keep an appropriate perspective by engaging in practical optimism and maintaining hopeful expectations.

Seek support by establishing connections with other people. Share your feelings and your thoughts. Ask for help if you need it. Don't isolate yourself.

Hold on to your sense of self-esteem. Take responsibility for any mistakes you make but don't bring yourself down by being overly self-critical.

Formulate a plan and take action. Get involved. Do something, and you will gain a sense of control.

Most importantly, remember to take care of yourself. Don't drain away all of your energy with non-stop activity. Take periodic revitalization breaks.