I come from a long line of every-day, in your face, never, ever, ever give up, stare-it-right-down warriors. I am fierce. And exceedingly well-trained in the ways of trying again. It’s a lock.
My partner lost his parents early on in life and had to grow up quickly. He succeeded wildly beyond expectations for a young country kid from the deep south of New Zealand. This was due in large part to perseverance, stubbornness and a keen drive for survival.
From my grandparents, I had legends. From my mother, I had lessons. From my partner, I had proof, that when life demands strength from us, we will find what needs to be delivered.
These people are my heroes. What I have learned from their adversities is that, even if I don’t know exactly what to do in a given moment, I know I will see it through. Because these people are mine. And they taught me that triumph is possible.
And so, now it’s my turn to be a hero.
One day, my children and I will recount the story of the time Mummy lost her job. I don’t know yet how this legend will end. But I have confidence our hero will, eventually, save the day. After all, I come from a long line of every-day, in your face, never, ever, ever give up, stare-it-right-down warriors. I am fierce. And exceedingly well-trained in the ways of trying again. It’s a lock.
And do you know how I’ll know I’ve won? When this little twist in the road becomes a new legend. For my own heroes-in-training. Because one day, they’ll be able to draw their own strength from my story. So what if I lost my job? I have been given an opportunity to show them what I, and one day they, are truly capable of. I am teaching them to be fierce.
And so, as I take stock of my past month, I am left with a new lesson. Resilience isn’t part of the story. Resilience is the story. As families, as tribes, as people, we progress. We make use of the extraordinary examples we have seen in our loved ones as they tackle their ordinary days. We honor these heroes with our own, every day bravery. We learn. We take stock. We move on.
Here’s to all of our heroes, and the heroes in all of us.
This piece originally appeared on Well Made Mama.
Sabrina Scalfari is co-founder of Well Made Mama, along with Megan Connolly. Well Made Mama is a website devoted to helping women explore the way the science of human behaviour can help a modern mother adapt to her new role. Well Made Mama believes that child care begins with mother care, and that the health of the world begins with the health of its mothers. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook and at www.wellmademama.com.
