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Calm Within the Storm: A Pathway to Everyday Resiliency
An inspiring new voice in the field of resiliency gives a tender, powerful and achievable path to rise from adversities through self-acceptance and self-alignment - always based on being enough in the here and now rather than the untenable quest to be more.
Robyne Hanley-Dafoe learned resilience from the ground up - not just as an accomplished university researcher, but first by overcoming mental illness, the stigma of being a high-school dropout, and almost dying in a car crash at age sixteen. Here, she presents an attainable model for everyday resilience, which everyone can use to feel more grounded and capable - and not beat themselves up in the process for not being "tough enough" in the first place.
Robyne believes that the language around resilience as "fighting" or being "tougher" is misguided; learning happens when we feel safe and trust, and fear and shame do not promote growth or change. In Awakened Resiliency, Robyne maps out a kinder approach to taking on the challenges of life and developing authentic self-alignment.
Robyne focuses on personal development practices that are research informed, sustainable, and attainable. She identifies the obstacles that derail us and keep us stuck, wondering - Why does life feel so hard? Why do so many of us seem to live in a constant state of strife and chaos?
Robyne has identified five interconnected pillars that are universal across cultures and backgrounds: Belonging, Perspective, Acceptance, Hope and Humour. These pillars form a person's capacity for resilient behaviours, despite life''s challenges. She then introduces you to the Resiliency Trajectory Model by showing you resiliency in action, through stories, research and practical strategies.
Blending the grounded science of classic books on resiliency like Grit . by Angela Lee Duckworth and Resilient by Rick Hanson, with the warmth and psychological insight of Brene Brown''s Gifts of Imperfection, this book offers a refreshing take on everyday practices that support resiliency. Robyne shows the reader that you are truly capable, and that being okay (rather than better) is enough.
Robyne Hanley-Dafoe learned resilience from the ground up - not just as an accomplished university researcher, but first by overcoming mental illness, the stigma of being a high-school dropout, and almost dying in a car crash at age sixteen. Here, she presents an attainable model for everyday resilience, which everyone can use to feel more grounded and capable - and not beat themselves up in the process for not being "tough enough" in the first place.
Robyne believes that the language around resilience as "fighting" or being "tougher" is misguided; learning happens when we feel safe and trust, and fear and shame do not promote growth or change. In Awakened Resiliency, Robyne maps out a kinder approach to taking on the challenges of life and developing authentic self-alignment.
Robyne focuses on personal development practices that are research informed, sustainable, and attainable. She identifies the obstacles that derail us and keep us stuck, wondering - Why does life feel so hard? Why do so many of us seem to live in a constant state of strife and chaos?
Robyne has identified five interconnected pillars that are universal across cultures and backgrounds: Belonging, Perspective, Acceptance, Hope and Humour. These pillars form a person's capacity for resilient behaviours, despite life''s challenges. She then introduces you to the Resiliency Trajectory Model by showing you resiliency in action, through stories, research and practical strategies.
Blending the grounded science of classic books on resiliency like Grit . by Angela Lee Duckworth and Resilient by Rick Hanson, with the warmth and psychological insight of Brene Brown''s Gifts of Imperfection, this book offers a refreshing take on everyday practices that support resiliency. Robyne shows the reader that you are truly capable, and that being okay (rather than better) is enough.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2021
68 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 5, 2025
„Calmi în furtună” de Robyne Hanley-Dafoe este genul de carte care nu îți dă rețete rapide pentru liniște interioară, ci îți vorbește sincer despre cât de grea, dar posibilă, este reziliența în mijlocul haosului. Mi-a plăcut foarte mult lectura.
Autoarea combină povești personale, cercetare psihologică și exemple concrete pentru a ne arăta că nu trebuie să fim perfecți sau imuni la suferință ca să putem merge mai departe. Ce mi-a plăcut cel mai mult este tonul uman, cald, empatic — simți că nu citești un „ghid”, ci că stai de vorbă cu cineva care a fost acolo, în furtună, și a supraviețuit.
Cartea e structurată clar, cu idei esențiale despre cum să-ți regăsești echilibrul în momentele în care viața pare să se destrame: acceptare, claritate, autoîngrijire reală (nu versiunea lucioasă de pe social media), și curajul de a cere ajutor.
O lectură utilă dacă te simți copleșit(ă), dacă ai trecut printr-o perioadă grea. Nu e o carte „ușoară”, dar e una care mângâie și încurajează fără să minimizeze durerea. Spor să aveți!
Autoarea combină povești personale, cercetare psihologică și exemple concrete pentru a ne arăta că nu trebuie să fim perfecți sau imuni la suferință ca să putem merge mai departe. Ce mi-a plăcut cel mai mult este tonul uman, cald, empatic — simți că nu citești un „ghid”, ci că stai de vorbă cu cineva care a fost acolo, în furtună, și a supraviețuit.
Cartea e structurată clar, cu idei esențiale despre cum să-ți regăsești echilibrul în momentele în care viața pare să se destrame: acceptare, claritate, autoîngrijire reală (nu versiunea lucioasă de pe social media), și curajul de a cere ajutor.
O lectură utilă dacă te simți copleșit(ă), dacă ai trecut printr-o perioadă grea. Nu e o carte „ușoară”, dar e una care mângâie și încurajează fără să minimizeze durerea. Spor să aveți!
March 30, 2021
Forget self-help, this book is self-healing.
Robyn Hanley-Dafoe brilliantly describes how to love, forgive, and be patient with yourself through life's everyday waves. Robyn writes of how important it is to acknowledge that life is hard and we will all go through difficult times or "seasons" as she puts it. The Calm Within the Storm will give you the tools you need to remind yourself that you are resilient.
There were parts where I laughed and parts where I honestly could have cried. Robyn, the book was beautifully written, well done.
Robyn Hanley-Dafoe brilliantly describes how to love, forgive, and be patient with yourself through life's everyday waves. Robyn writes of how important it is to acknowledge that life is hard and we will all go through difficult times or "seasons" as she puts it. The Calm Within the Storm will give you the tools you need to remind yourself that you are resilient.
There were parts where I laughed and parts where I honestly could have cried. Robyn, the book was beautifully written, well done.
March 27, 2021
Entirely inspired. The author weaves research and facts seamlessly between personal stories and practical advice for being more resilient. It was an eye-opening challenge against the idea that we have to continue to be the best and instead urges us to do hard things and encourages us towards the universal need to be okay. If you don't have time to read this book, then you need it.
September 3, 2021
Dr. Robyne’s approach to resiliency is so warm, loving and forgiving. I will definitely be revisiting this book in the future and even took notes. Her chapter on grief was so beautifully written and I never thought I could say that about loss. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to learn how they can foster resiliency in their everyday lives.
September 18, 2025
3.5⭐️ - was recommended this book and it was fine but nothing mind blowing
January 6, 2022
If you are brand new to the conversation around resiliency then this is probably a good starter book.
I found so much of her content really comes from other researchers. The narrative woven throughout felt juvenile (how many exclamation marks can you use!!), contrived (Wow. Mind blown.) and not so subtly self congratulatory (see contrived).
I found so much of her content really comes from other researchers. The narrative woven throughout felt juvenile (how many exclamation marks can you use!!), contrived (Wow. Mind blown.) and not so subtly self congratulatory (see contrived).
November 3, 2021
This is unique!
Anyone reading my goodreads read list will see how much self help I consume. I love wellness, psychology, health…and I truly think Robyne Hanley-Dafoe has something new to offer.
I came to her via some excellent wellness videos she did for my company and was so delighted to read her book. It’s really changed my perspective on things. I found it very human, in the way that Hanley-Dafoe shares her own foibles and past pain, in order to share her experiences as case studies.
Resilience being something built through adversity rather than something we’re born with thats chipped away through life’s hardships is really the key message. “You can do hard things”.
I really recommend this book!
Anyone reading my goodreads read list will see how much self help I consume. I love wellness, psychology, health…and I truly think Robyne Hanley-Dafoe has something new to offer.
I came to her via some excellent wellness videos she did for my company and was so delighted to read her book. It’s really changed my perspective on things. I found it very human, in the way that Hanley-Dafoe shares her own foibles and past pain, in order to share her experiences as case studies.
Resilience being something built through adversity rather than something we’re born with thats chipped away through life’s hardships is really the key message. “You can do hard things”.
I really recommend this book!
November 7, 2024
Calm Within the Storm is a masterpiece of relatable stories that are both heart wrenchingly sad and stand-up empowering. Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is admirably open and honest about her own personal struggles through life, which makes this book feel more like talking with a friend, not a doctor preaching to you from a lectern. The book is full of insightful strategies to deal with life’s lows (we can handle the highs, lol) while leaving room for the reader to either take or leave any one specific strategy. Perspectives are different after all, so an author that leaves room for a reader’s discretion is a breath of fresh air. One size does NOT fit all and this book is a perfect encapsulation of this.
April 27, 2022
This is a bit different than a lot of the other books I’ve read in this vein. In large part because I didn’t have the urge to throw it.
It explored resiliency in ways that I haven’t seen before, which I think is really important. I really liked the messaging that ‘life is hard. But we do hard things all the time. We can do this.’
I also really appreciated that faith was mentioned, but kept minimal.
It explored resiliency in ways that I haven’t seen before, which I think is really important. I really liked the messaging that ‘life is hard. But we do hard things all the time. We can do this.’
I also really appreciated that faith was mentioned, but kept minimal.
June 9, 2024
"...I was ready to unleash hell. I did not care who I took out in the process. Oh, but wait: I was on carpool duty. I had to get the children to school. And then I had to make dinner. And then I had to do laundry. And then I had to go to basketball. And then I had to tuck the children into their beds and read them stories. And then I had to walk the dog. My grief in the form of a mental collapse and behavioural explosion would have to wait."
August 30, 2022
This book is one of the best straight-forward books on resiliency I've ever read. Robin not only tells the reader plainly with no double-speak but also incorporates her own story in the telling as well. Because of her book I've also looked up her videos on youtube and have found them extremely helpful. For anyone who needs help going down the road, I highly recommend reading this book.
January 8, 2025
I’ve seen dr. Robyne speak several times and always enjoy it. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the same vibes from the book. It felt very surface level to me and I wanted a bit more about the research and reasoning. A little heavy on the personal antidotes for my taste. Would be a good first intro or gateway book into the topic.
May 18, 2021
I took a course with Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe’s over the timeline that she would have been writing/finishing this book. This acted as a perfect compliment to my experience in her course and to commemorate the finishing of my M.Ed. Thank you for sharing your gift Robyne.
January 26, 2022
Informative book, interlaced with personal stories and helpful information. I had wished the writing was longer to provide greater detail of the "how to" in building resiliency. I will definitely read this again.
I will come back to this review to add more information in the days to come.
I will come back to this review to add more information in the days to come.
July 13, 2022
I’ve heard Robyne speak a few times at work and have been wanting to read this. The book works and flows well. She tells stories and has good guides supporting how to be more resilient and aware. Worth a read if this topic interests you.
June 15, 2023
Dr. Robyne wrote this book in such a way that I felt like she was speaking to me directly. It was a great read, easy to intake the information and learn - did not feel too overwhleming. Great read, recommend!
May 4, 2021
Loved this book. Tons of valid, insightful information. Thank you, Dr. Robyne, we need this guidance now!
September 27, 2021
This book is a must read. Seriously.
January 5, 2022
Not too many books I read twice back to back. This book really spoke to me. I can do hard things
March 5, 2022
If you are just beginning on your self love journey. This is the book for you. However I cannot help feeling Ive read this book before many times over.
October 8, 2022
What a gift you’ve given to have written this book Dr. Robyne. Thoughtful insights and proactive steps we can all take to build our resilience. Thank you!
January 5, 2023
Well written and insightful, helpful and thought provoking reflection questions. Well organized and Dr. Hanley-Dafoe explains her research findings well, coupled with meaningful stories.
February 8, 2023
An inspiring take on resiliency backed with enough research and personal experience. Highly recommend!
June 25, 2023
Un très beau livre pour aider de manière concrète à traverser des moments difficiles.
Rarement la psychologie est-elle presenter de manière si accessible et humaine.
Rarement la psychologie est-elle presenter de manière si accessible et humaine.
July 23, 2023
Worth picking up. I think anyone who chooses to read this book will benefit.
June 19, 2025
I started reading this book after attending one of Robyne's talks and oh my gosh it was the most gentle loving self help book I have ever read!
October 19, 2022
Dr. Robyne talks about resiliency in a kind and gentle manner. It feels like she has her arms around you as you read her book. She is walking the dark roads with you.
For me, it was a confirmation that the journey I have been on to be a stronger me is leading me to be more resilient. I have heard her speak through an online workshop and looking to hear her in person this summer. You can feel her heartbeat through her book and hearing her speak.
If you are struggling with parts of your story, I recommend this book to you!
Calm Within the Storm: A Pathway to Everyday Resiliency
Second time through:
It's funny how many things hit you differently the second time through just a few months later. Or the fact that I am still struggling with some of the same things. My life was in a different place when I read it the first time.
Our book club picked this book this time, and I gave it another read. I feel like I can relate to the person she is. I have struggled with mental health disorders, the feeling of failing my kids, and just being stuck in the darkness. I try to use every dark thing that has happened to me for good when I rise.
No matter where you are in your resiliency journey this book will help you.
For me, it was a confirmation that the journey I have been on to be a stronger me is leading me to be more resilient. I have heard her speak through an online workshop and looking to hear her in person this summer. You can feel her heartbeat through her book and hearing her speak.
If you are struggling with parts of your story, I recommend this book to you!
Calm Within the Storm: A Pathway to Everyday Resiliency
Second time through:
It's funny how many things hit you differently the second time through just a few months later. Or the fact that I am still struggling with some of the same things. My life was in a different place when I read it the first time.
Our book club picked this book this time, and I gave it another read. I feel like I can relate to the person she is. I have struggled with mental health disorders, the feeling of failing my kids, and just being stuck in the darkness. I try to use every dark thing that has happened to me for good when I rise.
No matter where you are in your resiliency journey this book will help you.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews