Resilience

I recently had the opportunity to conduct a resilience workshop with staff from 15 different social services agencies in the Portland area. The program focused on the skills and attitudes of resilience and how these could be integrated into the work that these individuals do with their clients each day. As the participants told stories [...]

Most people are aware of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti a few weeks ago. But few of you may be aware that there will be an international workshop on rebuilding sustainable communities in Haiti on April 9th, 2010, that is being sponsored by the Center for Rebuilding Sustainable Communities After Disasters. The Center is [...]

It appears now that many of those who knew the psychiatrist who is accused of committing the atrocity at Ft. Hood realized that he was having difficulty meeting the demands of his position . Those who were aware that something was not right included his supervisors, colleagues, and friends. But no one intervened. Sadly, the [...]

We need to value and reassert these skills and attitudes from the past and the present, but most importantly, we need to practice them. Research in the social sciences and our own experience tells us that: 1. Connecting with others is better than isolating ourselves. 2. Flexibility works better in most situations than rigidity. 3. [...]

Duct Tape Isn’t Enough does not focus on blaming the bad guys for our problems or finding the right good guy to act as our savior. There are no messianic good guys or demonic bad guys in the book. Many of those who survive the tragedies of 911 and Katrina, and who will be able [...]

Our nation survived 911. The dead were remembered. Iraq was attacked and Wall Street in time went back to business and usual. Yet, little was done to prepare the public for dealing with the aftermath of another financial collapse or another terrorist attack on American soil. Duct Tape Isn’t Enough is not focused on preventing [...]

Our nation is in the midst of one of the worst financial crises it has ever confronted. We are fighting a war in Afghanistan and Iraq,  and although we have changed the name, it is a war on terror and fear. Unemployment is at double digits in a number of states and our new president [...]

… I have hazy memories:  the dinner party in North Berwick, Maine, the slow drive through the sleet and snow back home, sliding into a sharp curve, then - nothing.  I come to… Where? A hospital?  My Akita, Angel, was in the seat behind me… Is she okay?  People, strangers – are busy attaching lines to me – I have [...]

MAINE RESILIENCE – LOU PELLETIER  I trust you will forgive me for breaking the chronological litany of trauma in my life so I can discuss Miracles.  Many of us are familiar with the Bible accounts of the Miracles Jesus performed, but how many of us have beenblessed with a Miracle in their lives.  Believing that [...]

This is Lou Pelletier  continuing my saga of “resilience” building experiences….   During my seventh year, a new addition came to our family – a second brother, named Peter.  At eight years of age, I recall my sister, brother and I would  go a couple of blocks up the street and cross to visit our Aunt [...]