We begin with a review of Episode #17, in which we hosted special guest Mimi Amaral. As Mimi's story demonstrates, we can meet adversity head on, dealing with uncertainty as a condition of life, changing ourselves to better thrive in our new reality. We can grow, gain confidence, and establish ourselves in new ways, forging a new identity. Crisis can expose our humanity in both painful and valuable ways. We can establish a new pattern of dealing with adversity and the troubling emotions that hard times can trigger. Also, in this episode we begin to discuss the role of caregiving as having the potential to be both rewarding and an experience of adversity.

Special guest Mimi Amaral shares her inspiring journey from a mis-diagnosed "sickly child" to a vibrant adult with primary immune deficiency. Mimi, who believes "no one is immune to difficulty and hardship", has important things to say about how she "harmonizes a zest for life within the limitations of my body." Her hopeful, resilient outlook will lift your spirits and throw light on your struggles

When we experience a crisis - whether the illness or death of a loved one, a financial reversal or loss of a job, or any other real-life crisis - we feel overwhelming fear and loss of control. The shock can bring up emotions from other crises from earlier in life to intensify our internal turmoil. Crises expose our vulnerable humanity and change our lives in profound ways. We can choose how to respond and ultimately turn our trials into growth opportunities.

Crisis and trauma can come into our lives either as a shock or a prolonged series of events. In either experience, the best approach is to respond one step at a time, staying as grounded and objective as possible. When our immediate crisis is over, it's essential to come to an acceptance of what has happened, letting go of bitterness and resentment. We can adjust and find courage to move forward.

Difficult situations call for action - measured, not impulsive - which helps move us toward a solution. Seeing such experiences as challenges, not threats also make it possible to succeed. Managing our negative emotions like fear and anger ("emotional hygiene") are also essential. Our thinking needs to stay focused on moving forward, not catastrophizing or ruminating. It's important to remember there are high costs to avoidance and inaction in the face of life's challenges.

A deeper discussion of four strategies for facing difficult challenges: examining our attitudes; understanding our emotional reactions; taking responsibility; and examining our relationship to control. We present US Airways pilot Capt. Chesley Sullenberger - "Sully" - as an exemplar of someone who responded to an overwhelming challenge with courage and great success.

When hard times hit, we have two choices: spiral downward into defeat; or seek support, gain perspective, learn new skills, and take steps. Moving forward with hope is not easy, but always possible.

Why is hope so important during difficult times? How do we find hope when we're frustrated, discouraged and overwhelmed? And - how can we get stronger even while life gets harder? Join us as we begin to outline the attitudes and steps necessary to find strength and hope in adversity.

Hope can be hard to find and we may wonder, "Why me? Why now?" As we move through difficult times, it is possible to find hope and a sense of meaning and purpose in our struggles.