The Gift of Crisis: Finding your best self in the worst of times

by Susan J. Mecca

I believe those of us who have gone through serious hardships become, in some cosmic way, related. We form a tribe of battle veterans and fellow pilgrims suffused with knowledge none of us wanted. And although the admission to the club is unexpected and painful, the people you meet once you are there and the person you become will be with you forever.

Crises can rip away our sense of control and shake our beliefs to the core, leaving us feeling stranded in unfamiliar territory. In The Gift of Crisis: Finding your best self in the worst of times Dr. Susan J. Mecca shows us how to tap into our greatest strengths, persevere through our most difficult times, and find the potential gifts that a crisis can bring. Brimming with real-life examples, current research, tools and proven strategies, The Gift of Crisis maps a path through the impossible and heart-breaking events in our lives. It inspires us to bring forth the best of ourselves in order to overcome the challenges we face and uncover the possibilities for personal growth or transformation. Through each of the six stages of a crisis, specific and actionable steps are provided so that we can:


Stay grounded and centered Cultivate a positive mindset Utilize personal and professional resources Create and maintain a community of support Make effective decisions under pressure Set priorities and boundaries Cope with fear and anxiety Work through grief Prevent caregiver burnout Recognize and foster personal, spiritual and professional growth

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2017

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Susan Mecca guided me through the loss of my house and so many belongings only to help me realize that things are things, and situations are temporary. I still have my people, and gratitude and loving relationships are the key to life.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book not only easy to read, but inspirational, personal, and at times unexpectedly funny. Dr. Susan Mecca aptly walks you through the steps of a major crisis with credible suggestions from her psychology background, but, more importantly, with real life stories from either her clients, or herself. Though I am not currently going through a major life changing crisis at this time, I was still able to relate to and apply the suggestions given to lesser issues in my life such as learning how to say "no". Even if you are not going through a major crisis now, read it, keep it, and use it as your guide should you need it in the future.

[Ed Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Advice

Not only is the material well researched and well written, but the author speaks from her own experiences. While crisis is another growth opportunity, the book helps you ask the questions and cope with the situation and answers you face. A good read and good resource.

[David Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gift of Crisis is about finding your best self in the worst of times is an inspiring and practical guide for individuals going through medical, interpersonal, or professional crises and their caregivers.

Dr. Susan J. Mecca, is a psychologist who experienced crisis of having her son and husband diagnosed and treated for cancer cancer at the same time .Mecca shows how to tap into our greatest strengths, persevere through our most difficult times and find the potential gifts that a crisis can bring. Brimming with real-life examples, tools and proven strategies, The Gift of Crisis maps out a way to navigate through the impossible and heartbreaking events in our lives. It inspires us to bring forth the best of ourselves in order to overcome the challenges we face and uncover the possibilities for personal growth or transformation.

Through each of the six stages of a crisis, specific and actionable steps are provided so that we can:
• Stay grounded and centered
• Cultivate a positive mindset
• Utilize personal and professional resources
• Create and maintain a community of support
• Make effective decisions under pressure
• Set priorities and boundaries
• Cope with fear and anxiety
• Work through grief
• Prevent burnout
• Recognize and foster personal, spiritual and professional growth

Favorite Quote:

“I believe those of us who have gone through serious hardships become, in some cosmic way, related. We form a tribe of battle veterans and fellow pilgrims suffused with knowledge none of us wanted. And although the admission to the club is unexpected and painful, the people you meet once you are there and the person you become will be with you forever”

[Michele Rice Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Resource

The Gift of Crisis is a good resource for anyone dealing with a traumatic event. It is well researched and well written. It is not an easy read. Mecca uses her own experiences as examples and guides readers through the stages of dealing with trauma and finding a new normal.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.