What makes it possible for some people to come through hard times emotionally intact while others flounder? My mother, who died recently at age 95, was one of the people who could successfully deal with changes in adverse circumstance. She managed to convey trust that we would get through anything as long as we loved and supported each other. As a young woman of 30 with a husband, 4 young children and mother she fled from Estonia to Austria during the Second World War and later immigrated to the USA. She had lived a comfortable life in Estonia and subsequently was faced with challenges which required enormous emotional resources. Of course it has only been as an adult that I have understood how important her steadfastness was for all of us. Looking back at her life I can see that there is much to learn from how she dealt emotionally with whatever life brought.
Tips from my mother:
- Life can be unpredictable so make the best of it.
- Don’t forget to go for a walk because it will clear your mind.
- Be adaptable and resilient as you deal with never encountered situations.
- Remember you can lose material things but you will always have what is within you.
- Get nurturance from nature, music and literature.
- Be generous, loving, and share laughter with others.
- Live in the present and do not complain.
