Aequus Stories: Resilience

    When adversity strikes, it is not the burdens we bear that shape us, but our capacity to recover from life’s challenges and misfortunes. Adversity affects all of us at one time or another in our lives. Resilience, defined as the power or ability to recover or return to original form, is what determines whether the difficulties we face in life define us or defeat us.

    After the husband of Rachel*, a long-time Aequus client, died suddenly in an accident, her resilience was truly tested. “Though the death of a loved one is a major hurdle, it is a common one no matter how abrupt or shocking,” she says. “Resilience is learned when bad things happen.”

    Her husband had been the owner of a thriving business. Consequently, Rachel faced many financial issues and choices. Aequus provided Rachel with professional advice and guidance in handling practical issues that required immediate attention. 

    “Cicily and Michelle were people I could turn to for advice,” Rachel says. “Their knowledge and skills helped me stay grounded. They gave me strong, reality-based emotional support. Having them in my corner was significant.”

Fortunately, Rachel had the support of family and friends as well. With the help of her children, she was able to bring her life into focus as a single woman. Her husband’s death made her aware of her own mortality, made her question how she wanted to live her life. After a few years, she decided to retire so she could have more time for herself, her children, and grandchildren.

“I learned that if you have a sense of humor, it reinforces your resilience. Humor turned out to be one of the most important tools in my survival tool kit. When a rush of negative things happens, you just face one thing at a time and it becomes very strengthening. The more you are tested, the stronger you get.”

* Pseudonym for a real Aequus client