“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:7
Resilience is a very fashionable term these days in any discussion on sustainability. It refers to an institution’s capacity to recover quickly from difficulties – a true measure of toughness. I am reminded of the adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” which rings especially true here.
Over the years, I have found that growing a nation requires an engine room of resilience. This engine room consists of people who optimize key elements such as love, exercise, sleep, food, running water and peace of mind.
This might sound simplistic, but these fundamental elements are the bedrock of any thriving society, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Beryl’s recent brief but destructive visit to the Caribbean.
As a senior citizen and retired (but not tired) businessman, I’ve witnessed the resilience of our people time and again. Our most important asset is our population. Whether through procreation or sensible immigration policies, we ensure a robust and dynamic demographic. It’s imperative we train our people to rebuild and innovate. Education and skill development are vital, and we are blessed with a free allocation of 24 hours each day to achieve this.
Love is the foundation of our Caribbean spirit. Love for God, family and fellow human beings binds us together. In these challenging times, love becomes even more critical. The love we show in our communities – offering shelter to the displaced or sharing a meal – fosters unity and strength.
Exercise is another cornerstone. It’s not just about physical activity but passion, perseverance and patience. The physical act of helping our neighbors is a testament to our endurance and determination.
Sleep is often undervalued, yet it is essential. Our bodies and minds need to recharge to face the daily challenges. Proper rest enables us to think clearly and act decisively.
Food is our sustenance. Securing nutritional food supplies is a priority. It’s not just about survival; it’s about maintaining our health and wellness. Our local farmers play a crucial role in this, and supporting them ensures a steady supply of high-quality food.
Water is vital for our existence. Since our bodies are 60 percent water, access to clean, running water is non-negotiable. It’s essential for drinking, cooking, and maintaining hygiene.
Peace of mind is paramount. Amidst the chaos, finding tranquility and serenity is a must. It’s about knowing that, despite the challenges, we are a resilient people. With community support, we can rebuild our homes and our spirits. Peace of mind allows us to look forward with hope rather than be weighed down by worry.
In these trying times and what’s predicted to be an active hurricane season, let’s remember these fundamentals. They are the keys to not just rebuilding lives and livelihoods but to growing our nations stronger and more united than ever before.
At this time of the year, I give thanks to God for my 80 years and three, my 31 years of sharing my experiences through this column, and to you for your steadfast companionship over the decades.
Have a blessed week!
(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a corporate governance adviser. His email address is basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com. His columns may be found at https://www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com).