Bouncing Forwards: Notes on Resilience, Courage and Change

by Patrick Regan

‘You’ll bounce back…’ How many of us have heard these well-meaning words when faced with mental or physical health challenges, trauma or the loss of dreams? And yet, life’s battles can leave us scarred and changed. Why would we want to go back when what we’ve been through has taught us so much? It’s time to bounce forwards instead. In  Bouncing Forwards  Patrick draws on his own journey of making peace with his on-going anxiety, to look honestly and vulnerably at the temptation to wait for the day when all will be well whilst missing out on what’s happening in the here and now. Exploring resilience, acceptance and emotional agility, Patrick shows how we can find meaning in some of life’s toughest moments and the hope to journey on.

Genres: Christian

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Brianne Haddow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was nothing groundbreaking or new, but the content was good. It very much reads as though the author genuinely has struggled with mental health. I think if you are reading about mental health for the first time or live your life fully steeped in "Christian culture," it might hit harder than it did for me.
It was full of stories of people who face much bigger difficulties than I do and seem to be thriving regardless in a way that I am not. I identified with some of the stuff on perfectionism and gratitude but just cannot identify with all these fantastic relationships people have with God. That's not me. I don't find that God lights my soul up like that.
Ultimately, I was bored. I had to force my way to the finish line in the end.

[Rodie King]

Am currently reading this fantastic book. since it has 27 devotional days at the end, my bible study group had our first session looking at 'Bouncing back' reading 'Ephesians 2 v 4-10' .
I personally have read to P125, knowing that when I have finished reading it once I will want to read it again. In 2 weeks I shall be leading our group when we shall look at Psalm 46 which has 2 days Different types of resilience and Strength to carry on.
Although I purchased the talks, I did not discover until recently that I would only receive the on email and the talks would appear in due course.

[Anne Savile · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh look at resilience. An honest account of the author’s mental health and well-being. Encouraging and very practical, with strategies that can be put into practice. The book wraps up with the call to “Go gently”, refreshingly kind and unusual.

[Amanda Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, so much research and energy has gone into this book. There is a wealth of ideas and research to propel us forwards. Even though it's full of psychology and scientific research, it's accessible to anyone who picks it up. It's honest, doesn't shy away from the bad, doesn't give false hope or sticking plasters, but does give hope.

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing on scholarship plus a diverse range of expertise and experience, Patrick presents poignant life affirming messages for such a time as this. I am really grateful for this read which I will return to and recommend regularly.

[Matt Brydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potentially the best book I've read in addressing resilience and emotional health (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is also very good). Regan is honest, authentic, relatable and wise; whilst also rooting his thinking on solid theology (rather than generic/self help ideas).

[Dr Ian M Newington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read and some great stories. Didn't connect very much with me but glad I read it.

[JoJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read that makes you think and reflect. Good breadth not so much deep theology. I really enjoyed and benefited by its insights.

[Andrew Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this slow-going, probably because I needed to read it.
A telling phrase was, ".. we will need to speak from our wounds not our scars .." but the message is the assurance of God's love.

[Madeleine Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my church fellowship group and it lead to radical change in our lives and our worship community. What a powerful book!