Resilience

Resilience is a remarkable book. First of all, it is based on through research. Every chapter has two or more pages of references. Within each of the 10 chapters on specific approaches to developing resilience, there are inspirational examples of people who have had to overcome setbacks far more challenging than most of us will ever have to face. The authors go on to explain how approaches such as optimism, social support, ethics and brain fitness can help build resilience. Each chapter also describes the neuroscience that support the methods of developing resilience. At the end of each chapter are some practical suggestions for applying what they have learned to help you become more resilient.I agree with the authors that it is not necessary to apply all of the approaches to building resilience: just select a couple and focus on applying them on a consistent basis. It is never too late to enhance one’s resilience, but the greatest benefits are derived from application early in life. While the neuroscience explanations might be hard to understand, there’s no reason why teens and young adults can’t simply skip over these sections and focus on the specific recommendations.One other recommendation: read one chapter each day, preferably before you begin your regular daily activities. I think you’ll gain the motivation and confidence to meet whatever challenges, large or small, you face that day.

Dr. Southwick has consulted with our organization Modern Widows Club for 5 years on how to build in resilience factors into out programs to empower women coping with the loss of their late spouses and the trauma this transition creates. The book is both a reference point, practical guide and 25 yrs of proven research. The way the author gives you simple applications, shared through stories, makes it effective for anyone to read and put into action immediately.I believe the best part of the book is it inspires anyone to accept where they are, to know you have daily freedoms to choose healing more than you realize and building resilience is a life long process. Enjoy it. It's better to ride the ups and downs with this books knowledge. Highly recommend, the author knows his stuff.

A realistic, constructive approach to how human nature should deal with the harshness of reality. I find the authors’ findings to be largely congruent with my perceptions and experiences as a therapist in the Franklian and Ignatian traditions.

Few books are able to convey the science in a way that is engaging, fascinating, humanistic, and enjoying, but Steve Southwick has done this. Quick read packed with essential helpful information and I think back to it many times throughout the week. Viktor Frankl taught me about meaning and purpose, and Steve Southwick enriched me with resilience.

Loved reading this book. The real people stories were so inspirational. Their words rang true and helped me approach life with a more positive attitude.

What I love so much about this book is that is based on science that knows, it connects by using narrative that shows, and it provides follow up activity that flows.My father used to tell me “When you come to the end of your rope, just tie a knot and hang on.”If you want to learn more knots, lengthen your rope, and strengthen your grip, then be sure to get this book!

Words cannot describe this book. It a must read for all humans.

This book is so hopeful, educational, and inspiring. I so enjoyed reading it and bought it as a gift for a friend who was going through chemotherapy. She told me she read the entire book, and would go back to it when she felt overwhelmed. I have referred back to it many times.