Warrior Ethos, Bravery, and Resiliency
The US Army teaches warriors to:
always place the mission first.
never accept defeat.
never quit.
never leave a fallen comrade.
Traditionally, a warrior was someone who fought in battles and demonstrated physical strength and bravery. Todays definition of a warrior also includes mental and emotional strength. Being a warrior means owning your feelings and being vulnerable. This may seem counterintuitive to the traditional idea of a warrior, but in reality, owning your emotions and being vulnerable is an act of bravery that can lead to increased resiliency. Resiliency doesn’t mean you’ll never get knocked down; it is being able to get back up after being knocked down.
The Importance of Owning Your Feelings
We live in a culture that often views vulnerability as weakness. Many people are taught from a young age to suppress their emotions, to not cry, and to be stoic in the face of adversity. This can lead to a false sense of strength, as individuals believe that hiding their emotions makes them tougher.
However, the truth is that suppressing your emotions can actually make you more vulnerable in the long run. Emotions that are not dealt with can fester and grow, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By owning your feelings and acknowledging them, you are taking control of your emotional state and preventing negative emotions from taking over.
Owning your feelings does not mean wallowing in them or letting them control you. It simply means acknowledging how you feel and taking steps to process and deal with those emotions in a healthy way.
The Benefits of Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but in reality, it is a strength. When you are vulnerable, you are opening yourself up to the possibility of being hurt, but you are also opening yourself up to the possibility of growth and connection. Being vulnerable shows trust and allows truth and justice to thrive.
Being vulnerable means admitting that you don't have all the answers and that you need help sometimes. Being vulnerable is living your reality at full volume. It means being honest about your weaknesses and flaws, and allowing others to see the real you. This can be scary, but it is also incredibly brave.
By being vulnerable, you are allowing yourself to connect with others on a deeper level. When you are honest about your feelings and experiences, you are inviting others to do the same. This can lead to stronger relationships, as people feel more connected and understood.
Vulnerability also allows for personal growth. When you are willing to admit your weaknesses and mistakes, you are able to learn from them and become a better person. It takes strength to admit when you are wrong and to be willing to make changes to improve yourself. This is all BADASS, POWERFUL - You are a warrior!
The Link Between Vulnerability and Resiliency
Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations. It's the ability to recover from adversity and come out stronger on the other side. Owning your feelings and being vulnerable is a key component of resiliency.
When you are able to acknowledge your emotions and deal with them in a healthy way, you are better equipped to handle difficult situations. You are able to process your emotions and move forward, rather than getting stuck in a negative mindset.
Vulnerability also allows for a support system. When you are vulnerable, you allow others to see your struggles and offer support. This support system can help you get through tough times and come out stronger on the other side. This is where your work peers come in to play - our families and friends do not always understand what we’ve seen, done, or smelled; and who can blame them! I like to keep my friends in a separate silo for love and laughter and other kinds of difficulties where my colleagues are in the silo for death-related questions, comments, and feedback.
It's important to note that vulnerability doesn't guarantee resiliency. Resiliency is a complex trait that involves many different factors, including social support, coping skills, and mindset. However, vulnerability is an important component of resiliency, and can help individuals build the skills they need to bounce back from difficult situations.
How to Practice Warrior Ethos in Your Daily Life
So, how can you practice warrior ethos in your daily life? Here are a few tips:
Always place the mission first - remember your job and do it well. Then leave it at work. Then remember to do your life well! Create space between your work and your home. Build specific boundaries around when and where you carry your work phone or wear your uniform. Choose who to discuss work with and when/where. These boundaries will act as guidelines for your two different missions - work and life.
Never accept defeat. Every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow. You might be struggling right now and that’s ok. Let some steam off by discussing your goals and struggles with someone who gets it. You are worthy of everything in the world you want, so how do you want to show up for yourself today?
Never quit. Just keep showing up for yourself. Little tiny habits can lead to big changes so where can you upgrade? Do you need a day off? Can you plan to drink one more glass of water today? Book a hair cut?
Never leave a fallen comrade. Check on your partners at work. Chance are, they are struggling too - maybe in the same ways you are. I couldn’t believe how many people have shared their stories with me now that I’m sharing my mental health journey with the world. People are complex and wonderful and life is rough but we are all here for it. I am here for it!
