Book 2

I chose to read Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakeable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness by Dr. Rick Hanson. I picked up this book as I have been exploring ways to navigate the demands of school and life transitions while balancing my personal and emotional health. The idea of becoming more “resilient” felt relevant and appealed to me.

What I appreciated about Resilient is how it combines science with practical exercises. Dr. Hanson outlines 12 key strengths (e.g., compassion, mindfulness, and courage) and shows how to hardwire them into your brain using the science of neuroplasticity. His concept of “taking in the good,” or intentionally savoring positive experiences to shift your mindset, really stuck with me. At times, the book felt a bit repetitive or overly simplified, but that also made it easy to digest and apply to daily life. I also liked how each chapter ends with practices and reflections, this helps the reader pause and engage with the material. However, the book felt a bit repetitive or overly simplified, especially when certain ideas were repeated multiple times without much added depth. 

One downside is that while the book is rich in practical advice, some of the suggestions can come across as overly idealistic or hard to implement consistently, especially during moments of real stress or emotional difficulty. In those instances, I found myself wishing for more concrete examples of how to apply the techniques in high-pressure situations.

My main takeaway was that resilience isn't something you're just born with. It's something you can train and grow, like a muscle. I’d recommend Resilient to anyone looking for a practical, kind, and science-backed approach to becoming mentally stronger. It’s not a quick fix, but this book offers tools that are helpful for anyone committed to long-term personal growth and emotional balance. Just be prepared for a slower, more reflective read—and to engage with it patiently to get the most out of what it offers.

Comments

  1. johnwrit340@gmail.comMarch 31, 2025 at 9:35 PM

    Hi Grace, I agree with your takeway so much. Resilient is a key ingredient to success, and it's certainly something that we build in our life time. What I would add though, is that it's equally important to find our "why" in order to be motivated and build that resilience. I don't think want can work hard without setting a goal in mind.

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