A publication of the University of Miami Employee Assistance Program
April 2009
Contents
Building a
Resilient “U”
Are employees
making
uninformed
decisions about
their debt?
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Activities for Kids
Thought to
Ponder
Employee Assistance Program
“Your Solution
Consultants”
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faculty, staff, and
their dependents.
www.miami.edu/eap
305-284-6604
Orlando Gonzalez,
Director
Pilar Tamburrino,
Employee Assistance
Professional, Medical Campus
Robin Lee,
EAP Resource Specialist,
EAPost Editor
Caliope Bootle,
Office Assistant
Building a Resilient “U”
by: Orlando J. Gonzalez, MSEd, LMHC
In the brochure The Road to Resilience, the American Psychological Association defines resilience
as, “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant
source of stress – such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace
and financial stressors.” It means “bouncing back from difficult experiences.”
During difficult times, the many challenges we face will test our collective and individual capacities to
bounce back. We may be challenged to regroup, check in with our values, adapt to new realities and
grow in our capacity to respond to adversity. Resilience, ironically, is forged in the fire of emotional
discomfort. Athletes know very well the powerful results of fatiguing workouts. Can we develop the
same mindset regarding other aspects of our lives? Does “no pain, no gain” apply? I would like each
of us to consider that challenges can be viewed as opportunity for growth and the development of
greater strength. The Road to Resilience identifies 10 ways we can become more resilient.
10 Ways to Build Resilience
Make connections – Close relationships are import