Rebuild Your Life Through Resilience
By Kristen Shook, Marketing Specialist Eastern Division
It is never too late to begin to rebuild your life. One of core beliefs of Mirror, Inc is people can and do change. When we think about changing, it can be overwhelming due to the amount of work needed to create the life we desire. Rather than looking at the entire mountain, focus on the first step. For true change, you need to commit to yourself.
Believe in Yourself
Believing in yourself and having hope are two fundamental components necessary to create a life you are proud of. Breaking down negative beliefs and rewiring your mind to be more supportive and positive will work wonders; perspective is everything. This may be difficult at first, but through personal development, it will become easier the more you practice. If you are unsure where to begin, use your resources.
YouTube has thousands of personal development videos and creators, so you can search just about anything and find useful information
Visit your local library and search for books which cover topics you are interested in learning about or changing within yourself
Seek professional help from a licensed counselor or a certified peer mentor
Having an open mind to possibilities which come your way while seeking opportunities to redevelop who you are can lead to the transformation you want. It is important to reflect on your goals and begin to make slight changes to your habits which will compound over time.
Develop a Mindset of Resilience
Change is not easy but through resilience, anything is possible. The American Psychological Association defines resilience as, “The process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially though mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.” Individuals who want to begin the process of recovery, who are active in recovery, and who will release from the justice system utilize several steps to rebuild their life.
Action Items
Here is a list of action items to be considered:
Obtain personal identification documents (e.g., ID card, driver's license, social security card, birth certificate)
Address any legal matters (e.g., outstanding fines, court appearances)
Apply for health benefits (e.g., social security, disability, dental care, health insurance, mental health care)
Seek community assistance (e.g., housing assistance, utility assistance, charities, employment assistance)
Personal Reflection & Goal Setting
Take a personal inventory of the qualities you have and make a note of areas you wish to improve. Being aware of yourself and knowing the type of individual you wish to become will help you achieve the desired outcome. Review your hardships and reflect on how far you have come; reflection is key in building self-awareness. Make a list of goals in areas such as relationships, health, employment, finances, and others you want to strive towards. Start with small attainable goals to begin to build the muscle of belief and achievement.
Build a Community
Develop a community of growth and like-minded people. Having a circle of support allows you to feel connected while also giving you motivation when you need it. Knowing you have others who have had similar experiences can build a sense of trust and understanding. Building a team who is working towards the same goals allows you to collaborate, commit, and hold one other accountable. As we all know, you can go further together.