By: Monica Ray
As part of the DIAL Fellowship, I recently prepared to give a talk—a moment I knew was an incredible opportunity but also one that left me feeling a bit nervous and uncertain. It’s easy to look at someone with experience and assume confidence comes naturally, but I’ll be the first to admit, I was feeling the pressure. The questions ran through my mind: Was I prepared enough? Would my story resonate? Could I effectively convey the impact of our work in Congress Heights? Could I remember 5 minutes of content with my post-menopausal brain?
Resilience is often thought of as strength in the face of adversity, but sometimes, resilience is just the decision to keep going, even when you’re filled with self-doubt. And so, despite the nerves, I made a choice: I was going to lean into this challenge with the same commitment I give to my community. I would do the work, show up prepared, and give my best, no matter how I felt inside.
The Power of Preparation
When I think of resilience, I often think of community-building—of helping others thrive against the odds. But personal resilience, I’ve found, is about preparing, showing up, and being willing to stretch beyond our comfort zones. In the days leading up to the talk, I dedicated myself to preparation. I reviewed my notes, rehearsed my stories, and grounded myself in the core message I wanted to share about community, missed opportunities, and the power of engagement. In doing so, I realized something powerful: preparation is a form of self-belief. By committing to the work, I was proving to myself that I could overcome my doubts.
On the day of the talk, as I stepped up to the stage, I reminded myself why I was there. I thought of Congress Heights, of the missed opportunities I’d seen over the years, and of the deep love I have for this community. By anchoring myself in that purpose, I found my voice and let it guide me through the moment.
Resilience in Action
Resilience doesn’t mean we don’t feel fear or insecurity—it means we choose to keep going, regardless. Showing up to give that talk was a reminder of how resilience isn’t just something we build as communities; it’s something we cultivate within ourselves. And sometimes, resilience means facing moments of doubt and pushing through, trusting that our preparation and purpose will carry us forward.
Each of us has moments where we feel uncertain, where we question our abilities or wonder if we belong. But resilience is knowing that our experiences, our preparation, and our passion are enough. I’m grateful for the DIAL Fellowship experience for reminding me that resilience shows up not only in our communities but in each personal moment we choose to push through.
So, here’s to facing our doubts with courage, to showing up prepared, and to finding strength within ourselves when we need it most.