Strength in Struggle

MIND
The Power of Acceptance

Resilience begins with how we frame setbacks. Neuroscience shows that focusing on what we can control helps reduce stress and fosters adaptability.

(Strap yourself in for a heavy Sunday!)

I have had many experiences, some that shook me to my core.
One had me sat on a floor in a hospital for 8 days watching, waiting, staring, numb. The experience took me from a state of mind where I shut the world down and had tunnel vision on the problem at hand, to one where I started to accept I was out of control, to a state that gave me acceptance with the worst possible outcome - death, because the probability was so high but the time it took to get there was so long (it felt like eternity).

That was watching my son (4 at the time, 11 now and super duper healthy!) on a resuscitation programme, flat lining twice, laid bare on a steel theatre table with tubes and pipes coming out of him everywhere, eyes taped and more clinical staff than I had ever seen on one being. No veins left for the drips, on life support, in a comma - you name it. They had to lock the doors in the end to keep us out.

So you can imagine, everything else in the world now is “meh” and “I’ll get over it”!

He is everything to me, so nothing else could test me to that extent. It taught me an immense amount.

Here’s What Helped:

• When something goes wrong, pause and breathe: ask yourself, “Am I in control or not?” 

  • If you are not, attempt acceptance (in real time) it will help you manage the situation.

  • If you are, breathe and asses, then act (a lesson will always be learnt).

• Practice “micro-resilience” by tackling small, manageable challenges daily—this builds mental strength for bigger obstacles.

• Each day or week, do something uncomfortable, it will teach you to be comfortable in the uncomfortable!

BODY
Physical Resilience through Recovery

Resilience isn’t just about grinding harder; it’s about recovering smarter. This week, I tried something new: intentional rest.

Why? Because I’m constantly told to slow down, take it easy, or—dare I say it—stop. But the truth is, I don’t hit the gym as much as I should, and “slowing down” isn’t really in my vocabulary. Lately, though, I’ve noticed the cracks starting to show as my pace (with a little help from AI) keeps accelerating year after year.

Here’s what I’ve started doing:

• 10-Minute Stretching: A seated forward fold works wonders for tension, especially after long days.

• Sleep Prioritisation: Setting a “wind-down alarm” at night has become a game changer. No phones an hour before bed = better sleep.

• Morning Reset: No phones for the first hour of the day—it helps me wake up clearer and more focused.

Resilience isn’t just about pushing limits; it’s about knowing when to rest, adapt, and grow stronger. The more you train it—just like the body—the further you’ll surprise yourself with what’s possible.

LONGEVITY
Strength in Sustained Habits

Here’s a truth bomb: Alcohol doesn’t just hurt your liver; it’s proven to accelerate aging on a cellular level. I gave it up six years ago, right in the peak of my social life and twenties. If I could quit then, you can experiment with it now. Even just a short break can do wonders for your energy, focus, and overall health.

Future Insights:
We’re living in an era where science is rewriting what longevity could mean. Here’s a glimpse into the future of living longer, better lives:

• Senescence Research: Scientists are targeting “zombie cells” (senescent cells) that accumulate as we age, causing inflammation and disease. Breakthroughs in clearing these cells could add years to our health spans.

• CRISPR for Longevity: Gene-editing technology like CRISPR is being explored to repair damaged DNA, potentially reversing some effects of aging.

• Longevity Startups: Companies like Altos Labs and Calico (backed by Jeff Bezos and Google) are pouring billions into understanding the biological clock and finding ways to reset it.

Your Turn:
What’s one small habit you can adopt this week for a healthier, longer future? Maybe it’s drinking an extra glass of water, skipping that midweek drink, or prioritising an hour of extra sleep.

Small actions today can lead to monumental change tomorrow.

CHALLANGE
Pushing Through

This month’s sugar-free goal? It’s getting easier, but resilience isn’t just about saying no; it’s about redefining your relationship with the things you’re letting go of.

My Insight: Instead of focusing on what I’m giving up, I’ve started celebrating the benefits: clearer focus, fewer energy crashes, and even a better mood (most of the time…).

Your Turn: Share a challenge you’ve faced this month and how resilience has helped you keep going.

CONCIOUSNESS
Ancient Wisdom on Strength

Resilience isn’t a new concept. The Stoics, like Marcus Aurelius, believed that challenges are gifts.
Opportunities to uncover what we’re truly capable of.

They didn’t see obstacles as roadblocks but as stepping stones for growth.

Here’s a personal takeaway from my readings:

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about great conquerors and thinkers, it’s their understanding that our time in this physical form is fleeting. They pushed boundaries, not out of greed, but because they understood life’s impermanence.

One perspective I’ve embraced is learning to zoom out. In moments of hardship, instead of being consumed by emotion, I pause, step back, and view the situation as a moment in the bigger picture. It’s not always easy, but it’s a skill that allows me to respond with awareness rather than react with emotion.

Quick Reflection:
Think of one hardship that made you stronger. How did it shape you? Spend a few moments writing about it, it’s incredible what insights emerge when we look back with clarity.

EXPLORATION
Lessons from Alhambra

I’ve been reflecting on a childhood visit to Alhambra (In Granada, Spain), a place that left an indelible mark on my memory. What struck me, even as a child, was the sheer resilience it must have taken to design and maintain something so grand through centuries of change. But even more fascinating? The determination it took to build it—a monumental project spanning over 600 years.

Masonry always leaves me in awe. The effort it took to source, carve, and perfectly place each stone… it’s a testament to human perseverance and vision. These stones don’t just stand—they tell stories of grit, craftsmanship, and the enduring impact of collective resilience.

It’s a powerful reminder: resilience isn’t just personal - it can create legacies that last millennia.