No one searches for adversity. Bad experiences are simply part of life. Yet how many of us will know what to do to prevent our lives from spiraling out of control when we encounter traumatic events that threaten our safety, careers, emotions, health, or relationships?
In this pragmatic and practical book, experienced life coach and former psychotherapist Eileen Lenson shows us tools to turn suffering into hope and develop personal resourcefulness by combining new information from scientific research with an understanding of the emotional and spiritual lives that we all experience. She cuts through existing myths and provides readers with a look into what it takes to not just overcome adversity and survive, but to thrive.
Written to help anyone who finds themselves in a painful place, regardless of social background, culture, religion or intellect, each chapter describes from a scientific, psychological and spiritual perspective, why we do the things we do. Armed with this knowledge we can learn to manage our feelings and respond to devastating events with the skills to seek healthy coping options and change our lives for the better.
In this book you'll learn how to:
* Use five core factors of your life - forgiveness, courage, perspective, perseverance, and hope - to reduce emotional suffering.
* Identify and replace unproductive coping skills with healthy thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
* Master new skills through practice exercises.
* Benefit from the stories of others, just like you, who have faced and overcome adversity.
Table of Contents:
Foreword by Vice Admiral David H. Buss, United States Navy, Retired
An Introduction To Overcoming Adversity
The Five Personal Components To Overcoming Adversity
The Three Spheres Of Support In Overcoming Adversity
Chapter 1: Forgiveness
What Is Forgiveness?
Why Is Forgiveness So Important?
What Forgiveness Is Not
Barriers To Forgiveness
How To Use the Three Spheres of Support To Achieve Forgiveness
Conclusion
Suggested Exercises for Using the Three Spheres of Support To Enhance Your Forgiveness
Chapter 2: Courage
What Is Courage?
Why Is Courage So Important?
What Courage Is Not
Barriers To Courage
How To Use The Three Spheres Of Support To Achieve Courage
Conclusion
Suggested Exercises for Using the Three Spheres of Support To Enhance Your Courage
Chapter 3: Perspective
What Is Perspective?
Why Is Perspective So Important?
What Perspective Is Not
Barriers To Perspective
How To Use The Three Spheres Of Support To Achieve Perspective
Conclusion
Suggested Exercises For Using The Three Spheres Of Support To Enhance Your Perspective-Taking Abilities
Chapter 4: Perseverance
What Is Perseverance?
Why Is Perseverance So Important?
What Perseverance Is Not
Barriers To Perseverance
How To Use The Three Spheres Of Support To Achieve Perseverance
Conclusion
Suggested Exercises For Using The Three Spheres Of Support To Enhance Your Perseverance
Chapter 5: Hope
What Is Hope?
Why Is Hope So Important?
What Hope Is Not
Barriers To Hope
How To Use The Three Spheres Of Support To Achieve Hope
Conclusion
Suggested Exercises Using the Three Spheres of Support To Enhance Your Hopefulness
Afterword
Endnotes
About the Author :
Eileen Lenson, MSW, ACSW, Board Certified Coach, has committed her professional career to helping people who are struggling with adversity. She holds a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work, and prior to becoming a Professional Life Coach, was a practicing psychotherapist for over 20 years.Her broad experiences range from working with clients in medical and psychiatric hospitals, to her outpatient private practice. She has also developed and led support groups for parents who suffered the loss of a child, for couples going through a divorce, and for teens with social adjustment problems. In addition to her clinical work, she has spoken internationally on grief and bereavement. Author of a business book on psychotherapy and a chapter in a three-part volume on psychological trauma, Eileen has also written for newspapers and monthly columns, and taught seminars on adversity-related topics.
Review :
'For anyone who is struggling with a conflict, Eileen's book can help you overcome whatever obstacles are holding you back from living the life you truly want. Highly recommended.' - Hal Elrod, #1 bestselling author, The Miracle Morning
"Shows how to successfully thrive in the face of complicated life situations." - Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times #1 bestselling author of Triggers.
'We all go through adversity and this book will inspire you to overcome it with excellence, elegance, and a decision to win bigger than ever.' - Mark Victor Hansen, Co-Creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
'Lenson creates a practical guide to hold us up and to let us move forward. Hers is a lifetime read.' - Frank Keating, Former Governor of Oklahoma who oversaw the tragedies of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the 72 devastating tornadoes of 1999.
'Surviving was only part of my journey. The toughest part was continuing on. This insightful book will give you the tools to thrive in life to the fullest no matter what adversities you encounter.' - George Lamson, sole survivor of Galaxy Airlines Flight #203 in Reno, Nevada Featured in CNN 2014 documentary 'Sole Survivor.'
'This is a warm, wonderful, inspiring book that will give you the practical tools you need to live a -wonderful life.' - Brian Tracy, Author, Maximum Achievement, Earn What You're Really Worth, Eat That Frog! and The Psychology of Achievement.
'I know Eileen Lenson to be a committed and compassionate individual who has put much research and applied practice into this study. This book will assist its readers by offering practical means to apply in order to overcome hurt and adversity in their lives.' - Jeffrey D. Armstrong, President, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo CA
