Resilience, according to Positive Psychology, is defined as “the quality of recovering quickly from failure and adversity, and not only returning to the status quo but actually using the opportunity to grow and further your personal development.”
In Montana we have another word for it: toughness. Resilience rarely comes easily; it often requires real work. It’s something we build within ourselves and our communities, which is worth remembering in May, Mental Health Awareness Month. While our fine state is sometimes plagued by mental health struggles, it’s easy to find inspiring stories of Montana toughness.
Consider the graduating seniors of Jefferson and Whitehall high schools. Every year, these aspiring young adults, the future of our communities, step out into the world. They have battled through every difficult day, every challenging test, every urge to sleep in (OK, maybe most of their urges to sleep in) – to now walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Their futures are full of possibilities, and we send them off with wishes of abundant hope and finding their purpose. They have endured and should be as proud of themselves as we are of them.
