Friday, May 28, 2010

Every Minute

After being in ICU last month for a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a stroke and a recently diagnosed heart condition that will require surgery, rocker Bret Michaels made a surprise appearance on this past Wednesday's American Idol Finale. After the show, he was asked by a reporter about his outlook on life.

How has his outlook on life changed since his health problems? A great reminder:

"The outlook on life... I always thought I enjoyed every day, but now I KNOW I enjoy every day. Every minute here is awesome."

Psychologists attribute his bounce-back to psychological hardiness a predisposition that allows an individual to accept the challenges and changes in life with good humor and resilience, which in turn influences behavior that prevents illness. Psychologists Salvatore Maddi and Suzanne Kobasa identified three dimensions that tend to promote this sense of hardiness and in turn physical wellness: Commitment, Control and Challenge. You can read more about psychological hardiness HERE.

To read the article: Bret Michaels, Hardy by Nature - Rockers' Speedy Recovery a Sign of his Psychological Resilience click HERE.