Resilience
Resilience is the strength to face challenges, adapt in the midst of change, and rise again when life knocks us down. It’s the capacity to withstand trials and recover quickly from difficulties—not by avoiding them, but by meeting them with courage and determination.
True resilience doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built and strengthened through intentional choices. Connection with God, Christ, meditation, prayer and others around us can fuel our hope. Nourishing our bodies with healthy food, making time for good sleep, building strong habits, and caring for our mental and emotional well-being all create a foundation that helps us endure.
Resilience doesn’t mean we never struggle; it means we learn how to keep going, to grow through the hard moments, and to come back stronger than before. With faith, perspective, and perseverance, we can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and live with a spirit that refuses to give up.
Raise Your Hand, written by Carrie Dickie and illustrated by Anna Merrill, is an uplifting reminder that resilience begins with a single act of courage. Through heartfelt words and vibrant art, it shows that raising your hand isn’t only about asking questions—it’s about finding your voice, stepping into confidence, and turning mistakes and learning into growth. And when you raise your hand, you don’t just strengthen yourself—you encourage and empower those around you. Whether in classrooms, workplaces, or daily life, this book invites readers of every age to see that every hand raised makes a difference. Order your copy today and rediscover the power of your own voice.
Teaching:
Raise Your Hand opens the door to conversations about courage, confidence, and resilience. It reminds readers that speaking up not only helps them grow but also encourages and inspires others. A wonderful resource for classrooms, families, or groups, this book sparks meaningful discussions about finding your voice and supporting those around you.
Anna Merrill Art
Every one of Anna Merrill’s paintings begins as a single thought—sometimes a prayer, sometimes a memory, sometimes the spirit of an animal that carries strength or comfort. Her work ranges from portraits of Christ and quiet moments of devotion, to mystical folklore and vivid animals that each hold their own lesson. She welcomes commissioned work, creating pieces that carry personal meaning for those who invite her brush into their story. Anna also illustrates children’s books, bringing the same heart for storytelling into pages that inspire courage and inclusion.
She loves the freedom of painting across many genres, allowing her art to follow both faith and imagination. Canvas prints are available for those who wish to bring a piece of this work into their home—each purchase helping to support resilience, healing, and the mission of Everyone Happier and Healthier.
Exploring Art Program
Art Therapy – The Exploring Art Program offers a creative pathway to healing, growth, and self-expression. Through painting, drawing, and other artistic practices, individuals of all abilities are able to strengthen fine motor skills, improve coordination, and develop focus in a fun, engaging way. Beyond the physical benefits, art therapy nurtures confidence, reduces stress, and provides a safe outlet for emotions. Each brushstroke or creation becomes a step toward independence, resilience, and joy.
✨ Reach out for questions or more information about how art therapy can support you or your loved one.
Experience the Benefits of Horse Therapy
Horse therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, provides individuals of all abilities a powerful path to growth—physically, emotionally, and socially. For those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, riding a horse naturally mimics the motion of walking, engaging and strengthening the same muscles used for balance, coordination, and core development. Beyond the physical benefits, the unique bond between horse and rider builds confidence, trust, and a sense of independence. Every ride is more than therapy—it is movement, freedom, and connection working together to create lasting joy and progress.
✨ Reach out to me for more information and to learn how you or your loved one can get involved.