Resiliency and surviving life's catastrophes

It's a rare person that hits the century mark who can say, "I had an easy life. My childhood and adolescence were perfect. I married the right person; I had exactly the children I wanted. I never had a life threatening event happen."

Most of us eventually experience some sort of catastrophe: an unplanned event that changes your life as you know it. Many of us survive more than one of these events.

People who survive these and go on to live more life have some things in common.

We look around us and assess and make decisions.

What support do I have? First, is there family who has gone through this and can give good advice. Do I have friends who can sub for family? Who has the time and patience to help me through the grief and suffering? Do I have the money to pay for support? Extra help in the house while I'm more helpless.

How about where I live. Is the local government known for its ability to provide genuine help. Will I have to clean up the mess myself. Or will government be a hindrance with its paperwork. Are there agencies where I can get advice.

Do I need the health system to survive and move to the next step. Is the health system helping or hindering? Is it more interested in the metrics of moving bodies out the door or helping me find resources while pretending to be helpful. Will I need help determining if they are lying to me?

Are the caregivers in the situation taking care of themselves? Are people eating healthy foods, taking care of even minimal exercise. Aware of their own mental health.

What is the money situation? Did the catastrophe eliminate the source of income? Is there insurance and someone to access the insurance policies. Are there life important things that must be paid for not covered by insurance.

A person who wants to survive will not give up.