“Grit is a combination of resilience, ambition, and self-control in the pursuit of a goal that can take months or even decades to achieve. Similar to resilience, grit involves adapting to or bouncing back from adversity, which is the ability to positively adjust under extremely challenging life condition–such as the loss of a loved one, financial strain or poverty, or a serious health issue or illness. Knowing that adversity will always be a part of our kids’ lives and teaching them how to respond by embracing–not resisting–the lessons discovered as they manuever through adversity are two key components to battling despair.”
SEEN, Dr. Chinwe Williams
The Power of Being Seen
People who are in despair experience a physical dis-pair-ing in the brain, which causes a person to become emotionally detached. The good news…is that a relational connection can help the brain repair itself. Our brains are wired to heal, but it takes intentional steps in love and empathy…steps that don’t often come easily to us adults.”
Seen, Dr. Chinwe Williams
The greatest part of hosting this podcast is the remarkable people God sends my way.
Through a series of very fortunate events, Dr. Chinwe Williams said “yes” to being on the show.
Along with her co-author, Will Hutcherson, Chinwe, penned a two-hour read entitled, “Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teens Through the Power of Connection.”
Together, they offer us four words: There is always hope.
Is there anyone right now who couldn’t use a big dose of HOPE?
Meet Dr. Williams
Here on Episode 3 of Season 8 of “Today’s Heartlift with Janell,” we open a worthy conversation about the role of “despair” in the lives of our kids and teens.
Before you check out saying, “I don’t have any kids or teens,” please pause.
This conversation is for each and every one of us.
Chinwe’s journey has taken her to years and years with kids and teens, but her words are completely applicable to you and me.
She totally enforces what we already know as Heartlifters:
Our brains are designed to respond in predictable ways when we connect with others on a deep level and when we ‘feel seen.’ In fact, the research shows that we aren’t powerless at all. For instance, research on the neuroscience of attachment shows us that the brain can learn a new attachment patterns because of the process of neuroplasticity. The brain has the ability to rewire and reorganize.”
I was so personally blessed by her presence + work + thoughts and I know you will be, too.
We are in crazy times and kids and teens are facing insurmountable obstacles and challenges.
We are, too, that is for sure.
I believe you will receive a big helping of EMOTIONAL AND RELATIONAL GRIT and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Episode Shownotes
- Meet Dr. Chinwe Williams and follow her on Instagram.
- Understand the difference between despair, depression, and anxiety. Chinwe’s thoughts on despair and how we can face its’ challenge helps us understand what we are actually feeling inside our hearts and minds.
- Ask yourself, “Do I need to talk someone about the despair I am feeling?”
- Find practical ways to develop GRIT.
- Learn more about secure attachment in “Stronger Every Day: 9 Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You.”
- Listen and learn from Dr. Chinwe on “Talking to Kids About Race.”
- Listen and learn from Dr. Chinwe on “Talking to Your Child About Divorce.”
- Most definitely, listen and learn as Dr. Chinwe on “Caring For Your Family’s Mental Health.”