Resilience, Solidarity and Optimism

It has now been a few weeks that we are battling a powerful virus named COVID- 19. This goes without saying that this pandemic is not easy for many and we are facing quite a lot of uncertainty – it is totally normal and expected when facing abnormal situation. I would like to tell you that everything will be over within the next few weeks, but this is not the case. We will be in this difficult situation for a long time, the impacts and the consequences on our economy will be enormous. That said, we must as a collectivity, and a unique profession ( being the profession of arms) keep in mind our critical mission objectives and our purpose.

So, what does the science on resilience can teach us in these stressful moments? What do we have at our disposal to help us live through this moment more serenely?

First off, let’s define resilience as the capacity to adapt and rebound in times of adversity. It is the ability that allows us to go through challenges with the most adaptability possible. Resiliency rest on five pillars – social, emotional, mental, physical and lastly, spiritual. Studies have shown that resilience is directly correlated with flexibility, some realistic positivism and a capacity to face painful events calmly, but proactively. Here is how you can improve your resilience naturally.

Resilience is linked to our evaluation of auto- efficiency. It is an evaluation of our capacity to push through a challenge. You must know that we are able to adapt, that we are not alone, and we are mentored. Life is made this way: facing challenges is normal and there is no need to go against this fact. Let’s remember that in the past, we have been able to go through challenges with success and that we can rely on our capacity to adapt to successfully go through this one.

We only have to look to our Canadian health care professionals to see what service, sacrifice and duty looks like. Every day, these healthcare workers leave their families at home to be on the front lines fighting this pandemic.

We don’t know how the situation will evolve in Quebec and in Canada. There is a lot of uncertainty and no expert would be able to predict at this time, what we can expect for next week. We must do what is in our power to prepare us and follow what is recommended, and… acknowledge and tolerate the fact there are things we don’t know – it’s okay. Admitting to ourselves there are some unknowns, knowing that this will eventually be over with, and that this challenge is only temporary is also a step towards resiliency.

Trust!

Trust our immune system, first. Then, in our personal choices and behaviors because we are following the recommendations prescribed by our Public Health System. Moreover, in our leaders. Leaders that are prepared and ready, that have the well- being of the population at heart. Let’s trust our doctors and our health care system. In short, let’s trust experts when we’re feeling we are losing control of our emotions, or different variables of the situation.

Let’s be flexible towards the necessary adaptation. Even though the majority are in voluntary isolation, we might need to be sequestered or even quarantined. Assuredly, we need to adjust our work, our home, even hobbies. It is disturbing. And sometimes even upsetting or painful. With everything happening, let’s remember that we are capable of going through this challenge.

We might find opportunities with those changes. In the end, we might even be proud of what we have accomplished as a family, organization and society. Let’s drop our rigidity; it is time to be more flexible and adaptable!

It is essential that we capitalize on our strengths; and God knows that Bagotville has many. We must work together and support those that will be called upon – members and family. On this note, the secret ingredient can be found in love, the quality of our resilience, the leadership, and our attitude towards adversity.

If you’re single, a couple or parents, remember that you are not alone. Our grandparents made miracles dealing with events far more difficult, such as the rationing during the Wars, and so on. Mutual aid and family are our values that will get us through this. We will need all the help possible to maintain the moral of our troops and those of our families. The missions will still be happening and the effort to meet our obligations will be maintained; during the next months, we will need to work together, make the choice to have a good attitude, and bravely embrace the multiple opportunities presented to us. We have that control! We have a golden opportunity to demonstrate to our kids what resilience, solidarity and optimism are all about.

Each of you are essential. We believe in you, we’re invested in you and we expect your best efforts. Self- care is important to all of us, so everyone must keep following rigorously prescribed recommendations. What you are doing is helping!

To our military members and families, I want you to be mindful that your individual needs, fears and concerns are important to your leadership. When looked at holistically, your needs, fears and concerns are, at this moment, no different than those of other Canadians. However, the difference for military members is, should our government call, all Canadians will look to you to put those emotions aside because they are relying on you for leadership, hope and professional excellence. Keep in mind every one of you is a leader, and you need to step up, be ready and do it. Be aware that your attitude in uniform, your behaviours and impacts will be seen across the country - Professionalism is a must. We are confident you will do what it takes.

Nelson Mandela stated “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” When this challenge is over, we will have seen the best and, unfortunately, the worst of people… so how will you be remembered? As someone who rose up, demonstrated leadership through duty and courage, and led by example?

Both the Base Commander and I are extremely proud of all of you. I personally want to thank you for the work you are doing already, and will continue to do into the future. We ask you only to consider what you are doing to cultivate your resilience and “fighting spirit”, and that you take the steps necessary to prepare yourself to be there for Canadians when the call comes. We, together, will stand with our community and with Canadians in this fight. Together, we can – and will - overcome every challenge.

Take great care of yourself – Stay fit, stay healthy and stay ready. Stay Strong Bagotville.

We got this! Ca va bien aller!