If you’ve lived through these 9 experiences, you’re more resilient than the average person

There’s a world of difference between surviving and thriving.

Surviving means you’re just getting by, bouncing from one challenge to the next. Thriving, on the other hand, means you’re resilient. You’re not just surviving – you’re turning these adversities into strengths.

It’s these experiences that shape us into stronger individuals. I firmly believe that if you’ve weathered these 9 storms, you’re far more resilient than most.

Let’s dive in and discover these life-changing experiences that mark your resilience.

1) Life-altering loss

We’ve all experienced loss, but not everyone has faced a life-altering loss.

A life-altering loss can come in many forms – the death of a loved one, a severe health crisis, or even the end of a significant relationship. These are losses that fundamentally change the course of your life and your perception of the world.

Experiencing such a loss is undoubtedly painful and challenging. Yet, it’s through these experiences that we grow in resilience.

When you’re forced to rebuild your life from the ground up, you learn to adapt, to overcome, and to persevere. You become acquainted with your inner strength and resilience – traits that will serve you well in future challenges.

2) Unemployment

There’s a certain stigma attached to unemployment. But let me tell you, I’ve been there, and it’s not a sign of weakness, but rather a potential breeding ground for resilience.

A few years back, I found myself without a job. The company I was working for had to make cuts, and I was one of them. I remember the fear, the uncertainty, the sleepless nights wondering how I was going to pay my bills.

But let me tell you something else – it’s in those moments of adversity that you really discover what you’re made of. You learn how to network, how to budget, how to persevere even when the odds seem stacked against you.

It’s a tough experience to go through, no doubt about it. But if you’ve lived through prolonged unemployment and emerged stronger on the other side, that’s a clear sign of your resilience.

3) Failure

Failure is often viewed as a negative outcome, something to be avoided at all costs. But the reality is, failure is one of the most potent teachers we can encounter.

A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that people who have a history of failure are more likely to demonstrate resilience in the face of new challenges. They’re more adaptable, better problem-solvers, and less likely to be deterred by obstacles.

If you’ve ever experienced a significant failure – perhaps a business venture that didn’t pan out, an exam you didn’t pass, or a goal you didn’t achieve – and managed to pick yourself up and keep going, you’ve demonstrated a level of resilience that sets you apart.

4) Personal illness or injury

Battling a personal illness or injury is one of life’s toughest battles. The physical pain, the emotional turmoil, and the lifestyle changes can all be overwhelming.

Whether it’s a short-term injury that leaves you bedridden for weeks or a chronic illness that affects you for years, these experiences teach you about strength, patience, and the power of hope.

If you’ve faced such a challenge, and managed not only to cope but also to adapt and thrive, then you’ve proven your resilience. This experience has equipped you with the ability to handle life’s ups and downs with grace and determination.

5) Financial crisis

A financial crisis can hit anyone, anywhere. Whether it’s a sudden job loss, a stock market crash, or an unexpected expense that throws your budget into disarray, these times can be incredibly stressful.

But it’s during these periods of financial hardship that we often discover our true mettle. We learn to budget, to save, and to make difficult decisions about what we truly need.

If you’ve faced a financial crisis and come out the other side – perhaps with new financial habits or a better understanding of your spending – then you’ve shown a level of resilience that many never have to. This experience has not only made you stronger but also more prepared for any financial hurdles that may come your way in the future.

6) Heartbreak

Heartbreak, be it from a romantic relationship or a deep friendship, can feel like your world is collapsing. The pain can be so intense that it feels physical, and the emotional toll can leave you feeling lost and alone.

Yet, it’s through this profound pain that we often find our deepest resilience. We learn to heal, to grow, and to open our hearts again. We discover a depth of emotional strength we never knew we possessed.

If you’ve experienced heartbreak and found a way to move forward, to love and trust again, then you’ve shown an extraordinary resilience. Your ability to heal and grow from such emotional pain is a testament to your strength of character.

7) Living in a different culture

Stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a different culture can be quite a challenge. I remember when I moved to Japan for a job opportunity. The language barrier, the unfamiliar customs, and the sheer feeling of being an outsider were overwhelming at first.

However, as time went by, I realized that this experience was shaping me into a more adaptable and understanding individual. I learned how to communicate across cultural and language barriers, made friends from all walks of life, and gained a broader perspective of the world.

If you’ve lived in a different culture and managed to adapt and thrive, then you’ve demonstrated resilience. It’s an experience that leaves you better equipped to handle change and uncertainty in life.

8) Overcoming addiction

Overcoming addiction is one of the most challenging journeys anyone can undertake. It tests your physical, mental, and emotional strength in ways few other experiences can match.

Addiction, whether it’s to substances or harmful behaviors, can consume your life. Breaking free from its grip requires immense courage, determination, and resilience.

If you’ve overcome addiction, know that this journey has honed your resilience like few other experiences can. You’ve shown an incredible strength of character and an ability to persevere even in the face of immense adversity.

9) Dealing with mental health issues

Dealing with mental health issues is a battle that many fight in silence. It takes immense strength to acknowledge your struggles, seek help, and work towards better mental health.

If you’ve been on this journey, fighting your inner demons and working towards healing, then you’ve shown extraordinary resilience. This experience has equipped you with a level of emotional strength and understanding that sets you apart.

Final thoughts: Resilience is a journey

In life, we all face trials and tribulations, and it’s not the experiences themselves that define us, but how we respond to them.

Resilience isn’t an innate quality that we’re either born with or without. Instead, it’s a trait that’s honed and developed through the different adversities we overcome.

Each of these experiences we’ve discussed – from personal loss to overcoming addiction – marks a significant step in your journey towards resilience. They are testaments of your ability to withstand, adapt, and grow from adversity.

If you’ve lived through any of these experiences, remember that you’re more resilient than the average person. And even if you’re in the midst of one of these challenges right now, remember that this too is shaping you into a stronger person.

In the words of author Elizabeth Edwards, “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.”

So take a moment now to reflect on your journey so far. Acknowledge the strength you’ve gained from your experiences and let it inspire you as you continue your journey of resilience.