Born to Bounce Back

Most of us would rather take a one-way trip to the moon than divulge our private wounds or expose our deep secrets, but Frances Teagan has chosen to reveal her seven deeply personal episodes of what she names "Instant Pivotal Crises" that visit all of us at one time or another. From broken relationships, illnesses, accidents, deaths, losses, ruined plans, etc., none of us are immune to these visceral events which hit us with such velocity there is no possibility to prepare or protect. We feel bottomless pain and a bruising of the soul. Life will never be the same.

Teagan's own stories not only instill empathy due to the familiarity they instill, but she goes a step further in teaching us how to find the value they provide. Even though feeling at the mercy of misery, we are not. She provides the tools with which we can take our personal power back and go forward not in pieces, but as a better person for the experience. Our stories are our legacy, the footprint we leave on this earth.

Secondly, and of equal importance, Teagan explains the importance of vulnerability (not weakness, but courage) in bringing people together. While judgement tears us apart, it is our stories and willingness to share them that is the Great Equalizer. Empathy replacing judgment; personal responsibility replacing blame. Our stories become our defining times to capture the lessons rather than remain a victim. The way to heal ourselves is to help others heal.

True stories have the power to change lives

The book is a powerful read full of pathos, humour, knowledge and love.