Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy

Option A is not available. Option B is all we have. - Sheryl Sandberg

Life can throw the unexpected at us. In Option B, Sheryl Sandberg shares her own story after the sudden loss of her husband, and shows how she found ways to keep going, to lean on others, and to find joy again. Alongside psychologist Adam Grant, she teaches that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can choose how we respond — and that choice can make all the difference.

Here are the lessons that really stuck with me:

1. Joy and pain can coexist

"We cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond."
Grief is hard, but Sandberg reminds us that it’s okay to feel joy even while we’re hurting. Laughing, enjoying a moment, or feeling happiness doesn’t diminish the pain — it shows how full life can be. Allow yourself to feel both.

2. Resilience is something you practice

"Resilience is more like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets."
You’re not born with resilience — you build it, bit by bit. Every time you get back up after a setback, you’re strengthening yourself. Little choices every day — even small ones — add up and make life feel more manageable.

3. Lean on others

"When we reach out to others, we are not only giving them the gift of our presence — we are also giving ourselves strength."
You don’t have to face the hard stuff alone. Leaning on friends, family, or your community doesn’t make you weak — it makes you stronger. Even one person who listens or shows up can make the difference.

4. Look for meaning in challenges

"Life’s challenges can provide us with new insights and a deeper understanding of ourselves."
Hard times can teach us lessons we wouldn’t learn any other way. If you can find meaning — even a small insight — you turn struggles into opportunities to grow and understand yourself better.

5. Take action, even in small ways

"Doing something is almost always better than doing nothing."
It’s easy to feel stuck when life is hard. But taking any action — helping someone, starting a new routine, or simply showing up — gives you a sense of purpose and moves you forward. One small step can spark momentum.

Conclusion
Option B shows that even after the worst moments, we can find ways to keep going, to grow, and to find joy again. Sandberg’s honesty and Grant’s insights remind us that while we can’t control everything, we can choose courage, connection, and action. By leaning on others, embracing the full spectrum of our emotions, and taking small steps each day, we can turn life’s hardships into growth and hope.