RESILIENT

In the movie on Netflix entitled Mine, while it could be seen as very simple, it showed a good meaning of being resilient. The movie stars Armie Hammer as a Marine soldier who stepped on a mine on their way to a nearby village and is stuck there awaiting help, while his best friend who also stepped on a mine lost his legs and decided to shoot himself instead of going through the pain.

He waited for 52 hours and encountered various difficulties from lack of water and drinking his own piss, getting hit by a sandstorm, hallucinating, and getting attacked by wolves.

During his entire ordeal, a black man came to him and kept asking him, “Why step on mine?” He also told him, “I am free man. Take step.” The black man kept visiting him in the morning. He crisscrosses the desert which seemed to show he knows the location of the mine. By the end of the movie, the black man said he lost his daughter digging up mines and he lost his leg stepping on one.

I would say that the movie does not really have any story built as it is all just about flashbacks of Mike’s (Armie Hammer) life. Of his abusive father during his childhood, of how he had beaten at least four guys to defend Jenny (played by Annabelle Wallis), and how he lost his mother. Not to mention that in that heat, kneeling on one knee, it seems an impossible feat to wait for 52 hours.

But to me, there is one notable thing in the movie. The moment he stepped on the mine (By the way, there is no mine. It was just a tin can.), he was very objective and rational on how he would survive it. He figured out how to get the radio. He figured out how to somehow last (which is really impossible). He figured out how to survive the sandstorm.

Like Mike, we all have experienced impossible situations in our lives. Many become very emotional which makes them unable to do anything (just like what his best friend did. Shot himself and just gave up). Many just ignore it and hope things will become better. Many choose to wait for people to help them.

While there is nothing wrong with that, in my own experience, if we just hope for things to come and get better without doing anything, nothing will happen. It is like wishing.

When I was in my third year being a real-time analyst, the people I knew at work started moving out. I was being left behind. I asked them to call me if there was an opening and I will apply. So I just waited, hoping, wishing, that they will contact me for anything. Nothing happened. You may say that well, they might not really like me. Maybe. Though we remained friends till now so that’s not the part I want to talk about.

It is focusing your energy on what you can do, what you must do, to thrive in life. To be resilient. To be strong. To be a winner.

When we focus on the things that we must do to achieve what we want to achieve, great things happen. Like Mike’s story above, he needed to survive the 52 hours until help arrived so he focused his energy on what he could do – getting the radio, rationing his food, figuring out how to have water, figuring out how to conserve energy, and sleep, and many other things. In my story, I wanted to move to another company too so I started sending my resume, preparing for interviews, and taking exams, to multiple companies until I got hired with a promotion. Goal achieved!

Don’t let your emotions get to you. If you feel your emotions getting high, take a deep breath and slowly exhale. Repeat until you feel you’ve calmed down. This way, you have programmed your brain to think about how to best approach and solve the problem in front of you.

Just remember, we can beat everything that life throws at us. It is all about doing what must be done to accomplish what we want to achieve.

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Emotions are an integral part of the human experience, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. They can be powerful motivators, but when they become overwhelming, they can cloud our judgment and impede our ability to address challenges effectively. It’s essential to develop strategies to manage emotional responses, especially in high-pressure situations where clear thinking is crucial.

Understanding Emotions

The first step in managing emotions is to understand them. Emotions are physiological responses to internal or external events. They are tied to our survival instincts, often triggering the fight-or-flight response. However, in modern society, these responses can be triggered by non-life-threatening situations, such as work stress or interpersonal conflicts.

Recognizing Triggers

Identifying what triggers your emotional responses is vital. Triggers can be specific people, situations, or even thoughts that consistently evoke a strong emotional reaction. By recognizing these triggers, you can prepare yourself to handle them more constructively when they arise.

Breathing Techniques

One of the most effective ways to calm heightened emotions is through controlled breathing. The act of taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps counteract the stress response. This simple technique can be done anywhere, anytime, and it serves as a physical reminder to pause and regain composure.

Repetition for Calmness

Repeating the breathing process until you feel calmer is not just about physiological regulation; it’s also a form of mental training. With each breath, you’re reinforcing the habit of responding to stress with composure rather than impulsivity. Over time, this can become your automatic response to emotional stress, making you more resilient in the face of adversity.

Programming the Brain

The phrase “programming your brain” refers to the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience. By consistently practicing emotional regulation techniques, you’re effectively rewiring your brain to handle stress more efficiently. This can lead to improved problem-solving abilities and better overall mental health.

Approaching Problems

Once you’ve calmed your emotional response, you’re in a better position to approach and solve the problem at hand. Emotions can provide valuable information about how you perceive the situation, but they should not dictate your actions. A calm mind is more capable of assessing the situation objectively and identifying the most effective course of action.

Long-Term Strategies

While breathing techniques are helpful in the moment, long-term strategies are also important for managing emotions. These can include regular exercise, meditation, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist. These practices can help you develop a deeper understanding of your emotional landscape and build a toolkit for managing stress.

Emotional Intelligence

Developing emotional intelligence is another crucial aspect of managing emotions. This involves not only understanding and managing your own emotions but also recognizing and responding appropriately to the emotions of others. High emotional intelligence can lead to better relationships, both personally and professionally.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are practices that can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. They teach you to observe your emotions without judgment and to live in the present moment, which can reduce anxiety and improve your emotional well-being.

Seeking Support

Sometimes, managing emotions on your own can be challenging. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can provide you with additional perspectives and coping strategies. It’s important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing emotions is a skill that can be developed through practice and self-awareness. By understanding your emotions, recognizing triggers, using breathing techniques, and implementing long-term strategies, you can program your brain to approach problems with a clear and calm mind. Developing emotional intelligence, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed are also key components of emotional well-being. Remember, emotions are a natural part of being human, but they don’t have to control your actions or your life. With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate your emotional landscape with confidence and grace.