In life, things can happen that shake us up and change the way we look at the world. Trauma, accidents, crimes against us or an unexpected diagnosis of mesothelioma for you or a family member, for example, can change your world in minutes. It is said that how we respond to these events is what makes us stronger. Through these events we often hear the word resilience talked about. What exactly does that mean?

According to Psychology Today, resilience is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes.

In the book, Option B Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant, resilience, grief, and moving forward, are explored. Ms. Sandbergs sudden loss of her husband and her coping with her young childrens grief, as well as her own, is documented. In collaboration with Adam Grant, a psychologist and professor at Wharton, who has studied how people find motivation and meaning, Sheryl tells her story. Adam fills in the research on dealing with these issues.

This is an excellent book, easy to read, and is bound to help you at some point in your life. One of the interesting takeaways from the book is that, more than half of the people who experience a traumatic event report at least one positive change, compared to less than 15% who develop PTSD. The authors say, If you dont see if growth is possible, youre not going to find it.

With malignant mesothelioma, unfortunately, loss happens. Everyones life and circumstances are different, Option B is just one persons story. We all have our own stories, but it is reassuring to know that others who have endured loss are eventually able to experience joy again. We are not alone as we journey through our lives adventures and challenges.

Lisa Hyde-Barrett has helped ease the stress of patients and their families by offering a comforting hand. Lisa has 25 years of experience as a thoracic surgery nurse at Brigham and Womens Hospital a top 5 nationally ranked cancer hospital. Lisa works with leading nationally-recognized surgeons who specialize in mesothelioma. Through her extensive experience caring for mesothelioma patients, she is a facilitator for the patient to help them maintain control and dignity over their treatment of their disease and to assist with the patients wishes. She is passionate about helping the mesothelioma community.

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Resilience Can Help Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families ... - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog)