Forging A SWORD You Can Wield is a framework designed to empower individuals to transform adversity into growth. Rooted in the principles of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), this project provides practical tools, strategies, and insights to help people build resilience and lead purposeful lives.
I believe in the power of personal agency and the importance of fostering strength, well-being, ownership, relationships, and devotion to navigate life’s challenges.
The SWORD framework focuses on five core values that form the foundation for growth and recovery:
Strength: Developing resilience and the ability to endure challenges.
Well-Being: Cultivating positivity and finding meaning in everyday life.
Ownership: Taking charge of your actions, decisions, and growth.
Relationships: Building empathy, connection, and trust with others.
Devotion: Exploring purpose, spirituality, and mindfulness to stay grounded.
Each value is supported by actionable tasks, tools, and exercises designed to help individuals integrate these principles into their daily lives.
Choosing your values in every moment of living proves to yourself through your own experience that it is possible to see them in your hands in all aspects of life.
Forging A SWORD You Can Wield began as a deeply personal journey.
Initially concocted before my master's thesis, the framework was refined over six months of trial, use, and research. It became a cornerstone of my thesis, where I integrated Lean Six Sigma methodologies with Post-Traumatic Growth concepts to create an actionable and accessible system for recovery and growth.
This framework is built not just on academic research but also on lived experience—recognizing that every individual’s path to healing is unique and deeply personal.
After over a full year of iterating upon its design and consistent practice of this technique, I now execute upon each of its steps daily without a second thought. At this point, I just fill in the boxes for fun.
It's that easy.
In fact, I believe it be possible to habituate yourself to your experience of living such that you can remain actively oriented to the present moment and hold strong in that direction. Even in the face of danger.
What!?
Don't believe me? Give it a try for one full week and let me know how it went.
Results guaranteed!
Life’s challenges can leave us feeling powerless, but within adversity lies the opportunity for transformation.
The SWORD framework equips individuals with tools to:
Acknowledge their experiences.
Build strength and resilience.
Find meaning and direction.
Whether you’re recovering from trauma, seeking personal growth, or striving for a life aligned with your values, the SWORD framework offers a path forward. You have a choice in life to acknowledge your own willpower and do something about what is otherwise keeping you from achieving what you want.
Even if it means addressing your needs at all times at all costs. You matter. I invite you to act like it.
Interactive Tools: Guided exercises and downloadable resources to help you apply the framework in your daily life.
Educational Content: Insights and research to deepen your understanding of PTG and the SWORD framework.
Community and Support: A growing platform for individuals committed to personal growth and resilience. Open to input!
Hi, I’m Brian David Crowder.
I created Forging A SWORD You Can Wield to share what I’ve learned from research, practice, and my own journey through adversity. As someone passionate about combining actionable strategies with a compassionate approach, my goal is to empower others to build lives they can stand behind with pride and purpose such that they truly feel in their hearts that they can take on this world and do anything.
This work reflects not just my academic journey but a personal commitment to helping others discover their strength and resilience.
My heart be still. My blood is ice.
Entreat me at any time if you need a sip.
Start exploring the SWORD framework and discover tools, insights, and strategies to help you grow.
Whether you’re here to learn, heal, or thrive, I am here to support you.
No matter what life has in store for us, you still matter.
Let me help you experience that feeling in every moment of your wake.