Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is not something you’re born with.
It’s a quality honed by going through tough times, making difficult choices, and emerging stronger on the other side. As put by Stoic philosopher Seneca:
“manliness gains much strength by being challenged” (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)
In this article, we’ll look at seven experiences that might have been challenging or even painful in the moment, but if you’ve been through them, you’ve undoubtedly developed a level of resilience that sets you apart from the average person.
So buckle up and prepare to reflect on your journey – it’s likely you’re more robust and resilient than you even realize.
1. You’ve experienced significant loss
Have you ever lost something or someone so precious that it felt like your world was falling apart?
Loss is one of the most painful experiences one can endure. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the ending of a long-term relationship, losing a job or even a dream, these life-altering events can leave you heartbroken and shattered.
However, if you’ve navigated through this stormy sea of grief and managed to reach the shore, you’ve built an incredible resilience muscle. You’ve proven to yourself that even when the worst happens, you can survive, adapt and eventually, move forward.
It’s a testament to your spirit and strength – qualities that define a resilient person.
2. You’ve lived through financial hardship
Financial hardship is a brutal teacher, but it’s also one of the most effective ones when it comes to building resilience.
If you’ve ever had to count pennies, choose between paying the rent or buying groceries, or perhaps even lost your home, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Let me share a story. A close friend of mine, let’s call him Jack, went through a period where he was living paycheck to paycheck. A sudden job loss left him in a tight spot, struggling to provide for his family.
But Jack didn’t crumble under this pressure. Instead, he found innovative ways to stretch his budget, took up odd jobs to keep the lights on, and continually looked for permanent work.
Today, Jack has a stable job and is more financially secure than ever before. He often says that period of his life was grueling, but it taught him resourcefulness and resilience in the face of adversity.
If you’ve faced similar challenges and emerged stronger, pat yourself on the back. You’ve developed a level of resilience that will serve you well in life’s unpredictable journey.
3. You’ve survived failure
Picture this: You’ve poured your heart and soul into a project, a business, a relationship, or a personal goal. You’ve given it your all, only to see it crumble and fail.
Failure can feel like a punch in the gut. It can leave you doubting your abilities, questioning your worth, and nursing a bruised ego.
Have you been through this, picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and jumped back into the ring?
If so, you’ve displayed an incredible strength of character.
Surviving failure and coming back stronger is one of the most explicit demonstrations of resilience. It’s about accepting that you fell, understanding why it happened, learning from it, and then using that knowledge to move forward.
4. You’ve faced health challenges
Whether you’ve fought a life-threatening disease, managed a chronic condition, or recovered from a severe accident, facing a health crisis can test your resilience like nothing else.
It’s not just the physical pain and discomfort; it’s the emotional and mental strain that comes with it. The fear of the unknown, the treatment processes, the disruption to your normal life – all these factors combine to create an incredibly challenging experience.
Getting through such an experience demonstrates an extraordinary level of resilience. Not only did you endure physical suffering, but you also overcame mental and emotional hurdles. You took control of what you could and accepted what you couldn’t.
That’s resilience in its rawest form.
5. You’ve navigated through a tough breakup or divorce
A heartbreak is like a personal earthquake; it shakes your world, shatters your routine, and leaves you to pick up the pieces.
Navigating heartbreak demands you to face painful emotions head-on, perhaps question your self-worth, and learn to let go. It’s a tough journey that often feels like an uphill battle.
If you’ve managed to come out on the other side, healed, and open to love again or enjoy your own company, give yourself some credit.
You’ve displayed resilience in its most personal form. You’ve shown that despite the pain and disappointment, you can grow, heal, and even thrive.
6. You’ve faced discrimination or prejudice
Being treated unfairly or being discriminated against due to your race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic, is a tough situation to handle. It can make you feel marginalized, belittled, and even question your self-worth.
Worst of all, living with discrimination or prejudice is often an ongoing battle. It’s not something that one can ‘get over’ with time. It requires constant effort to stay strong and advocate for one’s rights.
If you’re doing this, know that you’re not just resilient but also incredibly brave. Your strength is an inspiration for others facing similar situations and a catalyst for change in society.
7. You’ve lived through a major life change
Life changes can be disorienting and stressful. Whether it’s moving to a new city, starting a new job, going back to school, or becoming a parent, major life changes can turn your world upside down.
These changes demand you to adapt quickly, step out of your comfort zone, and deal with a range of emotions – from excitement to fear to anxiety. It’s like being thrown into the deep end of the pool; you either sink or learn to swim.
If you’ve lived through major life changes and managed to adjust, adapt, and even thrive in your new circumstances, you’ve demonstrated resilience in action.
You’ve shown that no matter what life throws your way, you have the ability to adjust your sails and keep moving forward.
The bottom line
Resilience isn’t about avoiding life’s hardships, but about learning, growing, and emerging stronger from them.
If you’ve gone through any of these experiences, rest assured, you’re probably more resilient than you give yourself credit for.
Remember, every challenge you’ve overcome is a testament to your strength and a stepping stone to becoming an even stronger individual.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
