A road to peace, human dignity and resilience

Last Saturday,  I had the immense honor of meeting Dr. Abuelaish after the screening of the movie based on his book “I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity”. published in 2010. The story is inspired by the tragic loss of his three daughters and niece following the shelling of his home by the Israeli government in 2009. 

He is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. He is a five time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and internationally recognised as a human rights and inspirational peace activist, often referred to as the “Gaza Doctor” in the media. Dr. Abuelaish is devoted to advance health and education opportunities for women and girls in the Middle East, through his researches and his NGO Daughters for Life Foundation.

He is a living example of resilience — someone who has turned unimaginable personal tragedy into something positive - a mission for peace and human dignity.

We all go through very difficult life's transitions, fortunately most of us do not have to experience what he had to go through. His story reminded me not only of my responsibility to stand up for humanity and human rights but also of what true resilience means — and which qualities we must cultivate to develop it.

Resilient people often have a number of different characteristics including . 

• A survivor mentality – focusing on strength and endurance rather than victimhood

• Effective emotional regulation – learning to manage feelings of sadness, anger, and frustration

• A sense of control – understanding what can and cannot be changed, and focusing on the impact one can make

• Problem-solving skills – facing challenges with creativity and persistence

• Self-compassion – treating oneself with kindness and compassion

• Social support – building a strong network of people to lean on in difficult times

Resilience is an essential life skill, and my mission as a coach is to help my clients strengthen and develop it.