Rethinking Resilience

Professor What if resilience isn't about toughing it out or building impenetrable armor? Professor Caroline Mansfield joins us to challenge everything we think we know about resilience, revealing it as something far more nuanced—and accessible—than we've been led to believe. This conversation explores how we can honour both our strength and our humanity, especially during life's most demanding seasons.

In This Episode

Caroline shares:

• Why resilience is "ordinary magic" that belongs to all of us, not just a select few
• The difference between bouncing back and bouncing forward—and why it matters
• Why leaving a situation can be the most resilient choice you make
• Practical strategies that fit into real life, including the power of a "recharge list"
• How self-compassion becomes the foundation for sustainable wellbeing
• The vital role of community in supporting our capacity to navigate challenges

Quotable Moments

"Resilience is not something that only a few people have. It's not something that you only develop if you've had extreme trauma. Resilience actually is the ordinary magic in our day to day experiences."

"I tend to think of resilience as bouncing forward because whenever you have an experience that helps you learn more about yourself, it's a growth opportunity—you're not exactly the same person as you were previously."

"Being resilient doesn't mean you just need to put up with more and more. Resilience is about knowing what you need to do for your wellbeing and how you navigate a situation."

"If you've got a recharge list, you just pick one. Even if it's just going outside and sitting in the sun for five minutes—what is on your recharge list that's going to give you that break and help you reset?"

"Start small. Don't make it so big that it's overwhelming. It's something that you can do really simply, really easily, and just lock it in and do it."

"Everyone's journey is different. Getting to that place where you can say: Did I do my best? Absolutely. Was it perfect? Never. But am I going to be better tomorrow?"

About Professor Caroline Mansfield

Caroline Mansfield is a researcher and educator whose work centres on understanding what sustains people through life's challenges. With decades of experience exploring how individuals navigate demanding circumstances while maintaining wellbeing, she has developed practical, evidence-based approaches to building sustainable resilience. Caroline's research extends beyond professional contexts to encompass the complex realities of women's lives—the constant juggling of multiple responsibilities, the weight of caring for others, and the often-overlooked necessity of caring for ourselves. Her work emphasises that resilience isn't about individual fortitude alone, but about recognising and mobilising both personal and community resources to move forward with hope and intention.

Connect with Caroline 

Resources Mentioned

• The concept of "ordinary magic" from resilience researcher Professor Ann Masten
• Creating a personal "recharge list" for moments of overwhelm
• Community groups and connection opportunities (walking groups, creative pursuits, local library programs)

Connect With Us

• Listen to more She Speaks episodes exploring women's wellbeing and self-care
• Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com
• Follow us on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks amplifies women's voices on self-care and wellbeing through honest conversation. While we share research insights and lived experiences, this