 |
| News > Commentary - Resilience: Bowling and bouncing back |
|
Resilience: Bowling and bouncing back
Posted 6/11/2012 Updated 6/12/2012
Email story
Print story
Commentary by Tech. Sgt. Brett Abbas
48th Medical Operations Squadron
6/11/2012 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The word resilience has its root in the Latin 'resili', meaning "to bounce back."
I'd like to offer an expanded definition. Not just to bounce back, but "to endure, maintain or preserve."
In my time in the Air Force, I have seen tremendous changes. Some may remember a day when we had no internet, laptops or network phones. I can recall days long past when we used carbon paper to fill out the AF Form 988 Leave Form.
Change is a natural occurrence in life. The problem is that with natural change, peoples' comfort zones are challenged and changed as well. This, in my opinion, is where resilience is needed.
Despite the world changing around us, one thing is very consistent. In the midst of change, the Helping Agency network is always willing and able to assist. The Helping Agency network is comprised of agencies, clinics and programs on RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall to help members and their families survive, persist and endure change. Many key organizations including the chapel, the Airmen & Family Readiness Center, Military & Family Life Consultants, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, the Health & Wellness Center and the mental health flight make up the dedicated team of professionals that are in place to help out when needed.
So how do I build, strengthen or maintain my personal and professional resilience? What strategies do I use when the stress is rising and there is no relief in sight? Who can I turn to when it seems that I alone bear the weight of the world on my shoulders? I think resilience, or being resilient, is about plugging into something or someone other than myself. It's about reaching out for help, whether it's a mental health professional, a chaplain, a co-worker or a wingman.
I think of resilience like the bumper guards in a bowling alley. If you're like me, you're probably not a professional bowler. Every once in a while, despite my effort, my bowling ball ends up in the gutter. It's embarrassing to see that zero on the screen.
If I were to put up the bumpers, it would guarantee that my bowling ball never reaches the gutter. Resilience is like that. We can choose to go at it alone and perhaps be successful, but how much more successful will we be if we use the bumper guards?
Many of you may think it would be strange to see a grown man or woman using bumper guards while bowling, but what if everyone used them? Getting help when needed is never a sign of weakness. Everyone needs help from another person from time to time. Sometimes you'll strike out with the bases loaded; you'll not bat 1,000; you'll tumble; you'll falter. Sometimes you'll fail, but you are not alone.
The Helping Agencies at RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall have created a "one-stop-shop" for phone numbers, downloadable information and basic guidance to help you and your families not just survive, but thrive, despite the change happening all around you. To access the site, visit http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/library/sword-48fwresiliencywebsite/index.asp. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
If you have someone you would like to be considered for Liberty Spotlight, please refer to the Spotlight submission page by clicking here.
NOTE: All submissions must be approved by the commander or first sergeant. |
|
| |
| |
This webpage is maintained by the 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office. For questions about what services we provide, contact us at:
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Unit 5203
APO AE 09461-5203
-----
The public affairs office is unable to redirect calls or provide phone numbers. If searching for a phone number on base, please call the base operator.
-----
Calling Base Operator from the continental U.S.:
Comm: 011 44 1638 521 110
DSN: 314-226-1110
-----
Calling Base Operator from within England:
Comm: 01638 521 110
DSN: 226-1110
|
|
| |
|
|
