Book 2, Post 1: Resilient

For Book 2, I chose to read "Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness" by Rick Hanson. At first, I was skeptical of "self-help" books, so I initially overlooked it. However, I decided to give this one a chance because I was drawn to the promise that the book offers evidence based on neuroscience to explain how these techniques actually change our brain chemistry.

This book promises tools to build resilience amid daily stress and life's inevitable challenges. From the introduction, I hope to learn how to heal from my past, cope with the present, and build a better, happier future - not just for myself, but to be at my best for others too. I'm looking for concrete techniques I can use during difficult times, as well as regular habits to maintain resilience when life throws curveballs.

I'm currently in the first section, "Recognizing," which begins with the chapter on Compassion. A quote from Rabbi Hillel really struck me: "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? If not now, when?" This highlighted that while I could wait to develop these skills as I get older, building better habits will only become harder with time.

The Compassion chapter points out how we're often better at supporting others in their suffering than ourselves. But having empathy for our own struggles can be the first step toward addressing them. I especially appreciate how Dr. Hanson includes neuroscience reasoning throughout the book - this objective perspective makes the techniques more credible to me than typical self-help advice based solely on feelings or intangible benefits.

Overall, I'm finding value in this book and bookmarking key sections to revisit these techniques later.

*uploaded late after blog post got stuck in the drafts*