Strategies to strengthen resilience using the metaphor of nature.

2. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Protect your Inner Self
Defend yourself from the onslaught of outside messages of judgement, criticism and doom and gloom.

3. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Establish clear boundaries
Give yourself permission to say “Yes,” “No,” “It depends” and “I want to think it over.”

4. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Decide and get on with it
Expect change, make up your mind, feel the fear and act.

5. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Take charge
If your life or career path has taken a curve in these tough times consider making a drastic change— downsize, move, go back to school or look into retraining.

6. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Communicate
Commit to really listening, breathe
and get grounded before you speak
up for yourself.

7. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Promote Yourself
Filter out useless criticism and
know your worth and strengths.
Then share your skills when and
where possible.

8. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Make Connections
Get a little help from your friends, nurture your supportive love relationship and be part of a caring community through faith, volunteering or your neighborhood.

9. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Forgive
Hold yourself and others accountable while letting go of the pain of resentment.

10. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Nurture Yourself
Think optimistically, sweet-talk yourself, feel what you feel . . . even have a good cry.

11. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Lighten Up!
Maybe even laugh at yourself.

12. If you want to move from Woe to WOW . . .
. . . Realize
You are stronger than you think!

13. Share this message with a friend.
For more about
Patricia Morgan go to
Solutions for Resilience