Building a Strong Shock Absorber

 Building a Strong Shock Absorber: Navigating Life's Unseen Challenges

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at us—betrayal, failed relationships, financial struggles, and even public shame. These experiences, though common, can hit us hard, often at the most unexpected moments. In Nigeria, there's a popular saying, "Na everybody go chop breakfast," which translates to "Everyone will experience bitterness at some point." It’s a stark reminder that life’s hardships are inevitable, but how we handle them makes all the difference.


I like to think of this ability to handle life's blows as a "shock absorber." Just like in vehicles, a shock absorber is meant to cushion the impact, helping us navigate rough roads without losing control. In life, our shock absorber is our mental and emotional resilience—the strength we build to contain hurt, manage pain, and navigate difficulties in a way that doesn’t destroy our peace, health, or future.


Unfortunately, many people lack this vital resilience. Some end up in jail, not because they were inherently bad, but because they couldn’t absorb the shock of betrayal or injustice. Others develop serious health issues like hypertension after a failed marriage or business venture. The emotional toll of debt and the shame it can bring has driven some to madness, substance abuse, or even suicide. These are all signs of a weak shock absorber—when the impact of life’s challenges is too much to bear, it can lead to tragic outcomes.


But here’s the thing: tough times don’t last forever. Life goes on, and so must we. The key is to build a strong shock absorber that allows us to ride out difficulties without breaking down. This doesn’t mean suppressing our emotions or pretending everything is fine. Rather, it’s about developing the inner strength to face challenges head-on, to process our pain in healthy ways, and to keep moving forward despite the setbacks.


Building a strong shock absorber starts with self-awareness. Understand your limits and recognize when you need help. It’s also important to cultivate healthy coping mechanisms—whether that’s through talking to someone you trust, seeking professional help, engaging in physical activity, or finding solace in a creative outlet. Most importantly, don’t isolate yourself. Remember that everyone goes through tough times, and there’s strength in sharing your burdens with others.

In the end, life is unpredictable, and things will happen that we can't control. But with a strong shock absorber, we can navigate the roughest roads and emerge on the other side, not unscathed, but stronger and more resilient. Let’s commit to building that resilience within ourselves, so that when life’s challenges come—and they will—we’ll be ready to face them and keep moving forward toward a better ending.

© Ayanfe Rhoda

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