Surviving brain cancer was the most difficult experience of Adam Holland’s life, and yet, today he is able to look back on the challenges of the last two years as a gift from God.

Holland, a 35-year-old history teacher at West Ranch High School, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in 2014. That summer, he underwent two brain surgeries, six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy, all while continuing to teach at West Ranch.

A quote from “Anchored in the Storm,” courtesy of Adam Holland via Facebook.

“Going through everything was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever been through, but I’ve truly come to look at my cancer as a gift,” Holland said. “I would not trade it for the world because of what I’ve learned, the person that I am now. I’m not the same person that I was before.”

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It was from this inspirational perspective that Holland chose to write his book, “Anchored in the Storm,” during his recovery last year. Filled with carefully selected quotes and bible verses, Holland hopes to encourage and uplift those experiencing their own trials while also drawing them closer to God.

“It started out first for me as a way to just begin to process what I had been through, and as I was writing and responding to these verses and quotes, I realized this journey that I was on was not just for me– it was for so many more people,” Holland said. “The reality is that at some point, everybody is going to have some type of suffering, big or small. We all have those days. My book is to encourage, to exhort, to uplift those who are suffering, going through bad times.”

Each entry in the book helped Holland through his own personal storm, which was filled with fear and uncertainty of what the future may hold.

Another quote from “Anchored in the Storm,” courtesy of Adam Holland via Facebook.

“When you’re sitting in your living room the day before you have brain surgery, the thoughts that run through your mind (are), ‘Am I going to come out of it with a disability? Am I going to come out of it?’ The reality is, you could die,” Holland recalled, noting it was a lifechanging experience.

“I don’t think anyone can go through a trial like that and be the same person,” he said. “I think many times, our trials are an opportunity to not redefine, but refine, our lives.”

In the days following his battle with brain cancer, Holland has learned to appreciate the small things in life — like simply waking up in the morning or having a meaningful conversation with another person — and hopes to use his experience to help others.

“I think one of the great things that’s come for me out of my book is just the idea that my life is so much bigger than me, and if I can give parts of me away, then it’s a life well-lived,” he said. “That’s what I want for myself, and I hope that the readers get that from my book.”

“Anchored in the Storm” is available online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. To learn more about Adam Holland, visit his Facebook page.