Resilience is not something you’re born with, but something you develop through life’s trials and tribulations.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re stronger than the average person, there are certain experiences that can serve as indicators.
These experiences, often challenging and tough, have a way of forging us into stronger, more resilient individuals.
In this article, we will discuss 8 such experiences that, if you’ve lived through them, show you’re more resilient than the average person. So let’s dive in and see if your life’s journey has turned you into a real-life superhero!
1) You’ve faced significant hardships
Life is never a bed of roses.
We all face difficulties and challenges. But it’s not just about the problems we face, it’s about how we handle them that truly matters.
If you’ve experienced significant hardships in your life, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, financial struggle, health issues, or any other major adversity and have managed to come out the other side, you’re a testament to resilience.
These hardships force us to adapt and grow. They push us beyond our comfort zones and make us confront our fears and vulnerabilities.
Overcoming these challenges not only proves your strength but also equips you with the ability to handle future adversities more effectively.
Resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties, it’s about learning how to deal with them. So if you’ve weathered major life storms and are still standing, you’re definitely more resilient than the average person.
2) You’ve had to start over
Starting from scratch, be it in a new city, a new job, or even a new relationship, can be incredibly daunting. Trust me, I’ve been there.
I recall moving to a new city after college with no job lined up, no place to live and only knowing a handful of people. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life. Every day was an uphill battle – finding a job, making new friends, adjusting to a new environment.
But looking back, I realize that it was also the period where I grew the most. It forced me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to handle uncertainty. It made me more self-reliant and adaptable.
3) You’ve lived through a traumatic event
Traumatic events can leave deep emotional scars and can even change the course of our lives. Be it surviving a natural disaster, experiencing a violent crime, or living through war, these experiences test us in unimaginable ways.
Interestingly, the American Psychological Association states that exposure to trauma can lead to what’s called ‘post-traumatic growth’, where individuals emerge from traumatic experiences with heightened strength and psychological development.
Surviving a traumatic event and coming out stronger on the other side is a clear indication of resilience. It shows that you have the capacity to heal, to overcome immense adversity, and to continue moving forward.
4) You’ve been through personal failure
Failure, though often viewed negatively, is an integral part of life that contributes significantly to our growth and resilience.
Perhaps you’ve faced failure in your career, like losing a job or not getting that promotion you worked so hard for. Or maybe it’s personal, like a failed relationship or a setback in your personal goals.
These experiences, while painful, are opportunities for learning and growth. They teach us how to cope with disappointment and instill in us the courage to try again.
If you’ve faced failure and used it as a stepping stone towards success rather than letting it deter you, you’re showing resilience. It means you’re not easily discouraged and have the tenacity to keep pushing forward despite the hurdles.
5) You’ve experienced heartbreak
Heartbreak is one of the most emotionally painful experiences a person can go through. It can feel as though your world has been shattered, and picking up the pieces often seems impossible.
But here’s the thing – if you’ve lived through this, and have managed to heal, grow and open your heart again, you have displayed an incredible feat of resilience.
Experiencing heartbreak and then finding the strength to love and trust again is no easy task. It takes courage, patience, and a whole lot of self-love.
But in doing so, you prove that you can overcome emotional pain and bounce back stronger. You demonstrate that your spirit is unbreakable, no matter how hard life tries to break it.
6) You’ve battled with health issues
Health is something we often take for granted until it’s threatened. When you’re forced to fight for your health, everything else takes a backseat.
In my life, there was a period of time where I was diagnosed with a serious health condition. Suddenly, simple tasks became overwhelming challenges. It was a tough journey, filled with countless doctor appointments, treatments, and a rollercoaster of emotions.
But through that journey, I learned how to persevere even when things seemed bleak. It taught me the true value of health and the strength of the human spirit.
If you’ve had to battle with health issues and have come out stronger, you’re indeed resilient. You’ve shown that you can face adversity head-on and that your resolve is stronger than any illness or setback.
7) You’ve survived loss
Experiencing the loss of a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. It can leave you feeling empty and lost, unsure of how to carry on.
But if you’ve lived through such a loss and have managed to find your way back to living fully again, that’s an undeniable sign of your resilience.
Surviving loss teaches us about the impermanence of life and helps us appreciate the present moment. It shows us that we have the strength to endure even the deepest pain and find hope again.
It’s not about forgetting or moving on, but learning to live with the loss and still finding happiness and purpose in life. This journey signifies your resilience and strength.
8) You’ve managed to maintain a positive outlook
In the face of adversity, it’s easy to succumb to negativity and lose hope. But if you’ve managed to keep a positive mindset, even when the odds are stacked against you, that’s a strong testament to your resilience.
Maintaining a positive outlook during tough times takes courage and strength. It shows that you can find the silver lining in even the darkest clouds and keep hope alive when things seem bleak.
Being resilient doesn’t mean you don’t feel the weight of hardships. It means you’re able to carry that weight and still see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s about believing in your ability to overcome anything life throws at you.
Embrace your resilience
Humans are remarkably resilient creatures. We can endure, adapt, and grow through experiences that may seem insurmountable.
Resilience is not about avoiding the storm, but learning to dance in the rain. Each struggle you’ve faced and overcome has shaped you into the person you are today.
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress.”
With every hardship you’ve experienced, you’ve proven your resilience. You’ve shown that you can adapt and bounce back from adversity. You’ve demonstrated that your spirit is stronger than any challenge you face.
As you reflect on these experiences, remember that they don’t define you; they refine you. They help mold your character and strengthen your resolve.
So take a moment to appreciate your journey. Acknowledge your strength. Embrace your resilience. Because if you’ve lived through these 8 experiences, you’re more resilient than the average person.