Angela Devlen's Comprehensive Guide to Resilience
In today's fast-paced world, resilience is a crucial quality that we all strive to cultivate. Angela Devlen, an accomplished author and entrepreneur, shares her insights in her latest book,
'Passion and Zen: Designing a Life on Your Own Terms'. This profoundly personal work serves as both a memoir and a practical guide, aiming to reshape how we view resilience in our lives.
The concept of resilience has evolved, and it's no longer just about enduring hardships or challenges. Instead, Devlen advocates for a deeper understanding—it's about creating a solid foundation that provides sustainability in our lives. Through her unique experiences as a solo parent and CEO of a seven-figure company, she learned that resilience could flourish when we prioritize self-care and establish clear boundaries.
The urgency of this message is underscored by recent data revealing that nearly 75% of U.S. adults reported experiencing moderate to extreme stress levels in 2025. This alarming trend indicates that many are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted across various stages of life, heightening the importance of finding effective strategies for coping.
Unlike many self-help books that merely skim the surface,
'Passion and Zen' delves into real-life situations from high-stress scenarios such as disaster responses, healthcare challenges, and solo parenting. Devlen's narrative is infused with authenticity, showcasing her journey from being a hitchhiker at 17 to building a highly successful business while simultaneously parenting.
Devlen asserts,
“When we perceive someone as strong, it's often because they've made significant personal sacrifices,” stressing that true strength is distinct from resilience. The book encourages readers to redefine what it means to be resilient, particularly in an era defined by burnout. She emphasizes that setting boundaries intentionally is paramount to fostering a fulfilling and sustainable life.
Each chapter is masterfully crafted, weaving narrative elements with structured reflections on how various aspects—such as self-identity and nervous-system awareness—impact long-term resilience. A distinct feature of the book includes journal prompts and practical exercises that prompt readers to engage actively with the material, providing avenues to implement the lessons into their own life contexts.
The book encourages readers to:
- - Acknowledge how self-sacrifice impairs long-term resilience.
- - Understand the realities of resilience in crises, whether in healthcare settings or personal challenges.
- - Apply actionable insights through reflective exercises that honor personal values.
Building off the pillars of resilience discussed in her previous book,
'Grit and Grace', Devlen takes a step forward, guiding readers from awareness to genuine application. The goal of
'Passion and Zen' is not just to be read, but to be engaged with, prompting readers to question how they foster their agency and create nurturing relationships that support their passions.
'Passion and Zen: Designing a Life on Your Own Terms' is currently available for purchase on Amazon in hardcover and ebook formats. For further insights from Angela Devlen, visit her website at
angeladevlen.com.
About the Author
Angela Devlen serves as an impact investor and multi-disciplinary founder focused on resilience, healthcare, and technology. With a history of founding companies, including her leadership role at Meridian Ventures, Devlen utilizes her expertise to support organizations in navigating complex transformations. Her diverse portfolio also includes writing and advising on global health initiatives, showcasing her commitment to fostering resilience and well-being across various sectors.