Ordinary Strength: We Already Have What It Takes

by Sean Patrick

A harrowing diagnosis, a life-or-death struggle for a gun, and multiple youthful facial injuries nearly broke me. Ironically, those incidents helped me unlock a very human strength I did not know I had. That same strength is found within each and every one of us, regardless of what we face.

At twenty-six years old, I was forced to unexpectedly confront my mortality. After an MRI of my back, doctors incidentally discovered that I had numerous cysts throughout both of my kidneys and liver. Statistics suggested that the life I had envisioned was no longer within my grasp. My life expectancy plummeted, but even long before I would have to confront dying, I knew the complications of my disease would significantly affect the pursuit of my dreams. The world felt overwhelming and unfair, and I didn’t know how to go on. I was just a regular person confronted by, in my eyes, seemingly monumental adversity. How could I fight a battle I knew, in the end, I could not win?

This pivotal moment in my life not only made me question my mortality, but challenged my outlook on life. It made me reflect on my journey, my dreams, and the path that lay before me. Through introspection and revisiting the moments in my life that defined me, from my career in law enforcement through to simple and personal experiences, I discovered the principles and tools I needed to unlock a resting strength within me. That same reflection also allowed me to conclude that this strength was not unique to me alone: it was an ordinary strength.

Everything I have endured in my life has led me to believe that we all have the ability to spin pain into power, doubt into belief, and fear into courage. There is no adversity that cannot be conquered with what we are already made of, and we do not need to be extraordinary to be strong. In Ordinary Strength: We Already Have What It Takes, I recount specific events and moments that shaped who I am today, the key lessons and principles I took from those incidents, and most importantly offer a guide to how we all can unlock the ordinary strength that rests within us starting this very moment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Memoir

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2022

About the author

Sean Patrick was unexpectedly diagnosed with rare forms of Polycystic Kidney and Liver diseases in 2020 at twenty-six years old. Sean graduated with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Rowan University, and has worked as a police officer since 2017. He is presently assigned as a Detective for his agency. Sean is also a former collegiate hockey player. Today, Sean resides in southern New Jersey and enjoys spending his time with his wife, family, and dog.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ordinary Is Extraordinary

This book takes the position that we as ordinary people have a strength in us that can be a surprise. While reading this book I had my a moment of triumph where I found my own ordinary strength and fought through my pain and was able to succeed.
The author brings up the point that individuals aren’t being strong just for themselves but for all of those people who love them, inspire them and believe in them. It is an interesting theory that brings a person above the selfish desire to quit because they will be disappointing not only themselves but a whole lot of other people.
I also liked the personal stories about the author’s experiences as a police officer. As someone who faces life and death in their job it’s interesting to hear his take on a life threatening disease.
Very refreshing view on living.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

The book is a memoir of a young man (27 years old) who has overcome a number of challenges in his life. He was admitted to the police academy although having issues with his back which hindered some of his physical training. He persevered, became a member of the local law enforcement agency, was promoted to investigator only to receive a diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease.

Overcoming feeling of not being good enough that plague most young people in their teens, he became one of the most optimistic and grateful people I have ever encountered in the literary world and out. This is an easy read. The only issues I had was that it could have used a bit more editing to catch the usage issues such as "lead" instead of "led" and things like that. Otherwise, a truly inspiring book. I can see the author having a good career as a life coach or motivational speaker if he chose.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores concepts to handle adversity and to live a more satisfying life. The author uses personal life experiences to illustrate ideas, while emphasizing humans' similarities. I thought this book was beautifully written and had many good insights. I believe it will inspire many.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️💯❤️💯❤️💯

[Dara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the ebook thru First Reads. The basis of the book was how to deal with adversity and challenges in your life but also how to improve and make the most of your life. At times in my life, I might have valued this book if I was going through a slump but it didn’t really match my current situation though there were good reminders in there on how to live a fuller life. Although the author gave some examples from his own life, I didn’t feel that what he experienced justified his “expertise” in terms of encouraging at least not that it would take an entire book. I know that sounds like I’m not empathetic but the gist of his story and advice could have been written in a magazine article more succinctly.

[Joy Rosales]

DNF @ 17% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway.
I didn’t realize this was nonfiction, I don’t typically read nonfiction and I felt like the message of this book wasn’t one I was looking for or particularly needed, but I admired what the author did in taking his life experiences and turning them into lessons about strength and what it means to be human.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads. I only read 33% of it and just got bored with it. Its good book for people who need positivity and inspiration. But this book is just not for me. I'm sticking to my suspense books.

[Melanie Stolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and encouraging

Great advice to persevere no matter what we are facing. I loved the stories about others whose lives affected the author and sharing his experiences growing up.

[Danii Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so many quotes I’d love to share, but honestly you should read it yourself. The story is inspiring and empowering, and really makes you feel grateful for the time you have on this earth.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

[Connie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I only made it through 40 percent (and I have a self-imposed rule to always finish any book I start). I just couldn’t do it.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and inspirational read. we are all going through something and there is a way through.