My son is graduating from high school soon and will start college in the fall. Some parents are ready to send their teenagers on their way, but I’m not one of them.
We have a special relationship, strengthened through the years due to several unforeseen circumstances. An unexpected divorce when he was four and a life-altering illness when he was 11 made us closer than most. Similar interests—he’s a writer, too—allowed us to share our love of stories as well.
As a parent, you may wonder if you’ve done enough to prepare your children for what comes next. Although I’m still teaching and sharing advice, I’m in awe of what he has accomplished on his own already.
The adversity he faced during the past decade solidified the foundational life skills I shared, giving him strength and resilience, unlike most his age. One thing is certain—he can face anything that comes his way and be successful regardless of future challenges.
Navigating The Unexpected
Maybe you’ve been blessed and have sailed through life with few interruptions. But how did you navigate a new path if you’ve faced unexpected challenges that forced you to take a detour?
I started The Power of Change to help others who face more than their share of adversity find their path forward. One way is to develop the skills necessary to move through difficult situations more quickly.
I often say, “Life happens, and no one is immune to challenges. Learning to navigate the ups and downs is the difference between surviving and thriving.”
Setting The Foundation
Are there essential life skills that everyone should learn?
Absolutely. Just as a house needs a solid foundation, we all need basic skills to help us thrive.
According to UNICEF and UNESCO, essential life skills serve everyone regardless of age, sex, or nationality.
They include:
Self-awareness
The ability to think critically and creatively.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
The ability to cope with stress and emotions.
By developing these core competencies, you can better respond to the inevitable changes that come your way. I learned and practiced these skills throughout my education, but it wasn’t until I was a young adult facing a health crisis that I realized foundational life skills are only the beginning.
These skills help us deal with the demands of everyday life. But what happens when you face challenges beyond ‘everyday occurrences’?
An Adversity Toolkit
Last week, I referenced my adversity toolkit, skills that helped insulate me from unimaginable circumstances and guide me through life’s darkest moments. Although I sometimes neglect to utilize all of the tools regularly, I know what it takes to rise above adversity.
At 26, a medical crisis led to the loss of my livelihood; I needed a plan and a path forward. No book offered such advice, so I began to write my own. For two decades, I studied with coaches and mentors who helped me embrace and further develop the following tools:
Resilience
Perseverance
A Growth Mindset
A Mindfulness Practice
Gratitude
Self-love
Self- care
A Supportive Community
Faith
These skills, along with the basic life skills I had previously learned, kept me safe in the storm. I taught and reinforced the same skills for my son. While the lessons were different and age-appropriate, the skills served us both well.
Life is always filled with disruptions and unexpected events. Essential life skills form the foundation, but ensuring that the foundation is solid and can withstand the strongest storm requires additional tools.
If you’re unsure where to start or what you’re missing, review the list of skills. Which ones do you possess, and which would you like to develop or strengthen? Choose one and start small.
When you lose your way, consider one of my favorite quotes from Winnie the Pooh:
There is something you must always remember.
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
— A.A. Milne
If you want to explore the idea of the adversity toolkit further, I’ve written in-depth on the topic during the past year. The archive of The Power of Change is currently free to all. Look back at the articles you may have missed. If you’d like to read more on a particular topic, please let me know.
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You have provided for Jack, a good solid foundation and helpful toolkit which will continue to help him navigate his journey. Thank you for your helpful insight, things to remember and hold close. Thank you. Love and prayers to you both. ♡🙏♡
There are days I can feel cracks in my foundation, then I reach into my toolbox filled with your shared resources and make the needed repairs 🙏☺️