This theme’s essay explores how loss and healing contribute to human resilience and determination. Mourning and healing allow individuals and communities to bounce back from trauma, enabling them to continue creating, telling, and discovering their stories. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a global shift in understanding self-care, emphasizing that individuals must care for themselves in order to help others and society at large. Resilience, persistence, and healing are often rooted in personal and communal stories, which help individuals grow stronger and more adaptable. This essay also explores methods for getting to know others, such as Appreciative Inquiry, also can build community and leadership. Stories of past struggles, sacrifices, and resilience are often passed down through generations, helping to inspire future successes and fostering strength in the face of adversity.
