Emotional Resilience in Times of Change: Finding Strength, Purpose and Connection

This month at LARSO, we are exploring Pillar 1: Positive Mindset and Emotional Resilience. Each week we will feature a story about one of our members, inspiring hope and helping each of us cultivate resilience through narrative. 

Change is a part of life—in many ways, it is the only constant. As we age, significant transitions—changes in health, experiences of loss, or shifts in independence—can occur more frequently. The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, threats, or significant sources of stress,” often described as the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences.

But emotional resilience is not about avoiding pain or simply putting on a brave face. It is about finding meaning and purpose within a new reality—even when life looks very different from what it once was.

One of our members, Ann, embodies this kind of resilience in a profound and deeply human way.

A veteran of the Marine Corps, Ann spent 14 years in an environment where toughness was essential. Strength, endurance, and determination were not just valued—they were necessary for survival. She recalls running miles after long workdays, completing rigorous obstacle courses, and navigating difficult terrain during nighttime “land navigation” exercises using only a compass. Later, in the intelligence unit, her sharp intellect and tenacity helped her excel at the highest level.

In December 2024, everything changed. Due to complications from diabetes, Ann lost her leg.

“Life has 100 percent changed,” she says.

The impact has been both physical and emotional. She speaks candidly about the frustration, deep sadness, and exhaustion she faces. After a fall, Ann also suffered a traumatic brain injury, affecting her memory—a particularly painful challenge for someone whose career relied on mental sharpness and precision.

She does not sugarcoat her experience. “It is hard. People will stare,” she says. And yet, she continues forward with the same tenacity that has guided her through life’s greatest challenges.

Ann is no stranger to resilience. She has been sober for 33 years and successfully quit smoking—an achievement she describes as even more difficult than losing her leg. What motivated her to make that change? Her son. That same sense of purpose continues to drive her today.

When asked what keeps her going, Ann offers a powerful answer: helping others.

“That’s what I miss the most,” she says of her life before—being able to lend a hand in simple, physical ways. While she may no longer be able to carry someone’s bag or open a door with ease, she has found new ways to support those around her. She offers encouragement, expresses gratitude, and makes a point to recognize kindness in others.

When someone goes above and beyond, Ann asks to speak with their supervisor to share her appreciation. She has found that these small acts have a ripple effect—many supervisors tell her that positive feedback is rare, and that her words truly make a difference.

Ann’s story highlights an important truth: resilience is not built in isolation.

She describes the senior center as “a huge blessing,” particularly the transportation services that help her attend medical appointments and run errands. Just as meaningful are the connections she has formed. She speaks warmly of the drivers, calling them “really special people,” and notes how members often pause their own meals to offer help—carrying a tray or pulling out a chair.

“There’s not a single person here who hasn’t been kind,” she says.

There is a quiet wisdom in Ann’s perspective. Accepting help is not a sign of weakness—it is an essential part of resilience.

“Even though it’s hard, you have to let people help you,” she explains. “It makes them feel good, and you feel good too.”

She recently shared a quote from Fred Rogers that resonates deeply with her: “The kindest thing you can do for someone is to allow them to help you.”

At the senior center, we are committed to nurturing that kind of resilience every day—through meaningful programs, compassionate service, and a community that shows up for one another. Because in times of change, resilience is not just something we find within ourselves—it is something we build together.