This guide to growing resilience has been my most challenging and satisfying writing endeavor—challenging because resilience is such a broad and deep topic, and satisfying because the gains of growing resilience are so enormous. I realize that this undertaking would still be a dream without the aid of many important people.
I first wish to thank the students at the University of Maryland who, through their patience and determination in the resilience courses I developed and facilitated, have helped me to better understand how people actually cultivate resilience. Similarly, I thank the many individuals—leaders, employees, family members, emergency responders, peer counselors, and mental health professionals—who have taken my resilience training workshops. You have inspired and taught me more than you know, and you have greatly deepened my appreciation for the courage and resilience of the human spirit.
I express sincere appreciation to the tireless researchers who have clarified the complexities of resilience. The pioneers in resilience research include Drs. Emmy E. Werner, Emory L. Cowen, George E. Vaillant, Norman Garmezy, Michael Rutter, William R. Beardslee, and Ann S. Masten. Others whose research I have especially appreciated include positive psychology researchers Drs. Martin Seligman, Christopher Petersen, Ed Diener, Sonja Lyubomirsky, and Barbara L. Fredrickson.
Body-oriented approaches to regulating arousal were pioneered by master clinicians Patricia Ogden, Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk, and Elaine Miller-Karas. I’m grateful to them for providing the missing piece of the puzzle to understanding trauma and resilience.
I am most grateful to the many people who gave so generously of their time to review this book, provide feedback, and suggest helpful improvements: Drs. Greg Baer, Alan D. Boss, George S. Everly Jr., Charles R. Figley, Edward Tick, Mary Neal Vieten, and Spencer Wood; Chaplain Glenn Calkins, Captain William J. Donaldson, Detective Robert B. Dwyer, Sergeant Sergio Falzi, Major General Thomas W. Garrett, Mrs. Janet Harkness, Major Colby Jenkins, Director Peter Jonsson, Captain Monica Kleinman, Chief of Police Peter Volkmann, and members of my dear family.
Finally, I acknowledge the many resilient people who by their examples show us that it is possible to face adversity with determination and a triumphant will. Some are famous, such as Mother Teresa, Arthur Ashe, Christopher Reeve, and Viktor Frankl. Most are ordinary people—family members, neighbors, and friends. I dedicate this work to all who have weathered and bounced back from the storms of life with honor and courage, and in so doing inspire us all. Thank you one and all.
Portions of this book are adapted from my previous works, including World War II Survivors: Lessons in Resilience; The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook; The Self-Esteem Workbook; 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem; The Resilient Warrior Before, During, and After War; The Anger Management Sourcebook; and The Complete Guide to Resilience.