Why I Created Resilient U
Challenge and loss are a natural part of life; they happen to each of us and often when we least expect it. The question is do we merely survive despite adversity, wallowing in what was, indifferent or in denial about what is, and anxious about what might be or might never be? Or do we actually thrive because of adversity, honoring what was, transforming what is, and owning what still can be?
Adversity, at any age, and coming from any background or belief, has a direct effect on our spirit. But "surviving" life's challenges simply isn't enough There are many ways to survive — to live, and not all of them serve us well.
There are over six and a half billion people in the world (and growing), and each one of them will, at some point in their lives, have to face a meaningful challenge, loss, health concern, trauma, or existential crisis that leaves them feeling dispirited, unsure of their bearings, and uncertain of their direction forward. This is the experience of lost innocence. Yet for all the available self-help books and magazines, as well as personal development, positive thinking, and coaching programs, etc., still, and in fact now more than ever, too many people continue to struggle with how to be happy, healthy, and whole when adversity strikes.
There are many wonderful individuals and groups committed to "fighting" or eradicating a certain disease or societal challenge. But none have taken on, in any concentrated way, the very real and universal issue of human dis-ease that often results in the wake of adversity and lost innocence, as well as the very real and inherent human desire for resilience. To dispel the myths and raise awareness of these human concerns, Michele DeMarco Wilkie and Spiritful Living® created Resilient U - an advocacy campaign and social initiative designed to build resilience and sustainable wellness for individuals, families, and groups. Through programs and outreach focused on healing, education, and partnership we work to improve the lives of those affected by any kind of heartache, health concern, loss, trauma, adversity, or any other kind of loss of innocence. Our goal is to help people more than survive life's challenges, heartaches, and heart breaks; but actually to thrive in their wake.
Our mantra: Move from having a hole in your heart, to being whole in spirit.
How We Do It
- Create Hope Through Healing for a Strong-Hearted Life
- Create Empowerment Through Education for a Heart Wise Life
- Create Passion Through Partnership for a Wholehearted Life
All of Michele's work is designed to build shifts in attitude, awareness, and action in order to become a "Thriver," not just a survivor. What's more, she works to help those facing adversity to grow in confidence that life is always worth living, come what may. For more information, download the Resilient U Companion Guidebook. (Coming soon.)
Act Now — What You Can Do
- Get help for yourself or a loved one.
- Get involved in building a stronger, healthier, more resilient world: partner with us, start a Resilient U support group, spread the word.
- Be a model for others. Teach your kids to be resilient using our Resilient U Parent's Tool Kit. (Coming soon.)
Why the Heart the Symbol for Resilient U
The heart has long been a symbol of the core dimensions of life; moreover, the essential aspects of the self and spirit. It's been seen variously in mythology, spiritual and religious traditions, in early science and philosophy, and in traditional art and folklore. Universally, the heart is used as a metaphor for what we love, value, dream about, and desire most deeply. It represents what we reach for, can't live without, and strive to make real in everything we do. We adopted this symbol for these depictions, and because the heart is both literally and figuratively what keeps us both going and growing.