Building Resilience and Finding Meaning in Life: A Guide for Teens is an interactive book meant to engage readers in learning how to face adversities in life and to find meaning in these experiences.  It gives the message that we have a treasure chest of inner resources that can be called upon in the face of adversity. These resources must be discovered and, in some instances, developed to build resilience and find what holds personal meaning. Along with discovering meaning in adversity readers are encouraged to look for meaningful moments in their lives rather than engaging in activities that often lead them to feel empty inside. 

The guide also can be read by counselors and educators to help teens cope and live a more meaningful life. The guide was inspired by the teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl, noted author of Man's Search for Meaning, and by the research findings on character strengths presented by the VIA Institute on Character.

Acknowledgments ..................................................................... iii 

Book Abbreviations for Quoted Material ............................... ix 

1. Introduction ......................................................................... 1 
2. Viktor Frankl and the Search for Meaning...................... 3 
3. Suffering is Part of Life..................................................... 11 
4. Own Worst Enemies................................................. 13 
5. Forewarned is Forearmed................................................ 15 
6. Meaningful Moment Memory Bank............................... 17 
7. Will to Meaning................................................................. 21 
8. Goal Orientation................................................................ 23 
9. Our Conscience ................................................................. 25 
10. Freedom of Choice ............................................................ 29 
11. Responsibility .................................................................... 31 
12. Love Beyond the Physical................................................ 33 
13. Self-Transcendence ........................................................... 35 
14. Faith..................................................................................... 3 
15. Idea and Ideals .................................................................. 39 
16. Self-Distancing................................................................... 41 
17. Humor ................................................................................ 43 
18. Creativity ............................................................................ 45 
19. Imagination ........................................................................ 47 
20. Beyond Frankl: The Field of Positive Psychology........... 49 
21. To a Better Life................................................................... 69 
22. Making More Meaning..................................................... 73 
23. References .......................................................................... 79 
24. References for Quotes ...................................................... 80