Resilience isn’t something you’re born with, it’s built through life experiences. Some situations can make you feel like you’ve been pushed to your limits, but guess what? They might have actually made you stronger than most.
Endured some tough times in your life? Well, they might just have built up your resilience more than you realize.
In this article, I am going to walk you through 8 experiences that, if you’ve lived through them, might just mean you’re more resilient than the average person. And remember, resilience isn’t about never falling down – it’s about how quickly you get back up.
1) You’ve endured loss
Loss is a universal experience, but how we handle it can distinguish the resilient among us.
Experiencing loss, whether it’s the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even losing a job, can be deeply painful. It’s during these times where we feel like we’ve hit rock bottom.
But here’s the thing: If you’ve lived through such an experience and managed to move forward, you’ve demonstrated an incredible level of resilience.
Bouncing back from loss shows that you have the ability to navigate through life’s darkest moments. It’s not about forgetting or minimizing the pain, but rather, learning to live with it and continue moving forward.
That’s resilience in its purest form. If you’ve done this, give yourself credit for your strength.
2) You’ve been through a health crisis
Few things test your resilience more than a health crisis. I can vouch for this one personally.
A few years back, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. It was an unexpected blow that left me reeling. It meant a complete lifestyle change, countless hospital visits, and the constant uncertainty of what the future held.
But during that time, I also learned a lot about myself. I discovered a strength I never knew I had. It was my resilience that carried me through the darkest days and gave me hope for brighter ones ahead.
Living through a health crisis isn’t something anyone wishes for. But if you’ve been there and come out the other side, it’s a testament to your resilience. It means you have the grit to face life’s toughest challenges head-on and bounce back stronger than before.
3) You’ve lived through financial hardship
There’s no sugarcoating it – financial hardship is tough. It can feel like you’re in a hole with no way out. But if you’ve successfully navigated your way out of such a situation, that’s a clear sign of your resilience.
Interestingly, one study found that those who had experienced some kind of economic adversity were better equipped to deal with financial stress later in life.
If you’ve had to budget every penny, or faced unemployment, or struggled with debt but emerged from it all, you’ve shown your ability to adapt and survive in difficult circumstances. This resilience isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving beyond these hardships.
4) You’ve practiced mindfulness during adversity
There’s a concept in Buddhism known as mindfulness, which is essentially living in the present moment. It’s about accepting whatever is happening, without trying to change it or wish it away.
Now, being mindful during times of adversity is no small feat. It’s tough to stay present when you’re going through a rough patch. But if you’ve done this, that’s not just resilience, that’s mindfulness in action.
In fact, in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into how practicing mindfulness can help build resilience. It’s about learning to accept life as it comes, and navigating the highs and lows with grace and patience.
So if you’ve been able to stay mindful during challenging times, you’re not just resilient, you’re also cultivating a powerful skill that will serve you well throughout life.
5) You’ve relocated and started anew
A new city, a new job, a new life. Sounds exciting, right? But it can also be incredibly daunting. I remember when I moved to a new city for the first time. I didn’t know anyone, and everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming.
But over time, I learned to navigate my way through the city, made new friends, and found a sense of belonging. It was a challenging experience, but it also helped me understand that I could adapt to new situations and environments.
If you’ve relocated and built a new life for yourself from scratch, that’s a testament to your resilience. It shows you have the courage to step out of your comfort zone and the ability to adapt to new circumstances.
6) You’ve admitted you were wrong
This might seem a bit counter-intuitive, but stick with me here. Admitting you’re wrong isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather, a sign of resilience.
It takes a certain amount of strength and maturity to acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them. It’s about being open to change and willing to grow, even when it means facing up to your shortcomings or failures.
If you’ve had the courage to say, “I was wrong”, and used that experience as a stepping stone for improvement, then you have demonstrated an admirable level of resilience. In the face of adversity, it’s not just about bouncing back, it’s about bouncing forward.
7) You’ve overcome fear
Fear can be a crippling emotion. It can hold us back from taking risks, trying new things, or putting ourselves out there. But overcoming fear? That’s a real sign of resilience.
If you’ve faced your fears head-on, whether it’s public speaking, heights, or even the fear of failure and come out the other side, you’ve shown real courage.
Overcoming fear doesn’t mean it disappears completely. It means you’ve decided not to let it control your actions and choices.
Being resilient means having the courage to face your fears and push through them. And if you’ve done that, kudos to you! You’re certainly more resilient than the average person.
8) You’ve survived failure
Surviving failure is perhaps the most telling sign of resilience.
Failure can leave us feeling defeated and demotivated. But if you’ve experienced failure, picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and tried again, that’s resilience in its finest form.
Failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of the journey to success. And if you’ve survived failure, you’ve proven that you have what it takes to rebound and come back stronger. That’s the heart and soul of resilience.
Final thoughts: It’s all about growth
Resilience isn’t about avoiding life’s hardships, but rather, how we respond to them.
If you’ve lived through any of these 8 experiences and bounced back, it’s a testament to your resilience. But remember, resilience isn’t a one-time event. It’s a continuous process of growth and learning.
In the midst of adversity, it’s the resilience in us that allows us to see the silver lining, to learn from our experiences, and most importantly, to grow from them. This growth isn’t always visible to the naked eye, but rest assured, it’s happening.
In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the concept of growth amidst adversity, drawing parallels with Buddhist teachings. It’s a resource that can provide further insight into navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
At the end of the day, remember: every experience, good or bad, shapes us into who we are. Our resilience is our strength. And if you’ve come this far, you’re already stronger and more resilient than you think.
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