Resiliency. Merriam-Webster defines resiliency as "the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress; an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change."
I have always been so very intrigued by the resiliency of humans. Our ability to adapt and conform to new environments is incredible. When confronted with abnormal and even devastating situations an innate behavior kicks in that causes us to slow down, take a look around, and change, if even just slightly, to incorporate this situation into our stride as we move on.
However, I cannot say that all humans demonstrate an equal quality of flexibility; varying degrees are seen in the many different ways and also in the extent to which we accomodate such changes. There are some who crack emotionally, physically, mentally, or spiritually when faced with stressors that, for these individuals, is truly devastating. The level of their ability to function within society becomes severely diminished.
My biggest question is whether the issue of the varying degrees of the outcomes of the use of coping skills is a result of actual differences in the capability that we have to be resilient or a result of personal choice. Do we choose our degree of resiliency? Or is it predetermined?
