A TIMELINE OF GRIT

‘Cast your mind back, or leaf through your diary and calendar, to note down all the challenges you’ve faced in the last year, in chronological order,’ says Reading. Examples might be: the loss of a job, caring responsibilities for a sick loved one, homeschooling children and feeling scared by the news. ‘Once you’ve identified those experiences or feelings and put them down on paper, consider what external or internal behaviours you leaned on in order to find resilience and navigate these challenges. Maybe it was an ability to zoom out and take in the big picture, the sheer force of love for another human who needed your support, or dedication to a yoga or meditation practice that gave you space for calm.’ So often, you might feel that your reality has been one of struggle, but this exercise encourages you to acknowledge not only what you’ve been through, but your own resilience.