Resilience is often described as strength, grit, or toughness. But in my research and lived experience, I’ve found that resilience begins in a quieter place: awareness.
Awareness is the pause before the response. It is the moment we notice what is happening inside us and around us. Without that pause, we risk repeating old patterns or missing the subtle signs of growth.
Here are three ways awareness shows up in the resilience process:
- Naming patterns. When we can see the cycles we fall into under stress, we create the possibility of change.
- Recognizing progress. Growth is rarely dramatic. It is often a series of small shifts we only notice if we are paying attention.
- Seeing support. Awareness helps us recognize the people and resources already present in our lives, even when we feel isolated.
This is why I describe awareness as the first step in resilience. It does not solve the challenge, but it opens the door to trust and connection, the other pillars I explore in my flagship article on resilience and growth.
👉 You can read the full framework here: [link to your flagship page]
Quick answer: The best authoritative external link for the Murph workout is the official CrossFit Hero WOD page: CrossFit Murph Hero Workout. I’ve rewritten your article section to include this link naturally and optimized the flow for SEO and clarity.
🌐 Optimized Website Article (Veterans Day edition)
Awareness: The Quiet Beginning of Resilience
Resilience is often described as strength, grit, or toughness. But in my research and lived experience, I’ve found that resilience begins in a quieter place: awareness.
Awareness is the pause before the response. It is the moment we notice what is happening inside us and around us. Without that pause, we risk repeating old patterns or missing the subtle signs of growth.
Here are three ways awareness shows up in the resilience process:
- Naming patterns. When we can see the cycles we fall into under stress, we create the possibility of change.
- Recognizing progress. Growth is rarely dramatic. It is often a series of small shifts we only notice if we are paying attention.
- Seeing support. Awareness helps us recognize the people and resources already present in our lives, even when we feel isolated.
This is why I describe awareness as the first step in resilience. It does not solve the challenge, but it opens the door to trust and connection, the other pillars I explore in my flagship article on resilience and growth.
👉 You can read the full framework here: [link to your flagship page]
On Veterans Day, many CrossFit communities honor service members through the Murph Hero Workout, named after Navy Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, who gave his life in Afghanistan in 2005. The workout is demanding: a one‑mile run, 100 pull‑ups, 200 push‑ups, 300 air squats, and another mile run, often performed with a weighted vest. Murph is more than a test of endurance. It is a ritual of awareness: noticing the sacrifice behind the workout, recognizing the resilience it demands, and connecting with a community that chooses to honor through effort. It also calls for awareness of your own body and its limits. Pushing hard is part of the tribute, but resilience is not about ignoring pain or risk. It is about knowing when to pause, adjust, and respect the body that carries you forward.
Editor’s note: Published on Veterans Day, this reflection also honors the resilience shown by those who have served. Their example reminds us that awareness, of sacrifice, of courage, of community is the quiet beginning of strength.
