Life can be a rollercoaster, throwing us curveballs when we least expect it. But it’s not about not getting knocked down. It’s about how we stand back up that matters.

Resilience, that’s what it’s all about. And let me tell you, if you’ve weathered these eight experiences, you’ve got resilience in spades.

You may not realize it yet, but you’re stronger than most. And in this piece, I’m going to show you exactly why that is. So hang tight and get ready to recognize your own strength.

Ahead is your personal guide to understanding “If you have lived through these 8 experiences, you are more resilient than most others”. Buckle up!

1) You’ve faced a major setback

Let’s face it, life isn’t always a bed of roses. At some point, we all face setbacks.

Maybe it was losing your job during a global pandemic, or dealing with a major health issue. It might have been the end of a long-term relationship, or failing at a business venture.

These are tough blows. They can knock you off your feet and make you question everything.

But if you’ve lived through this, picked yourself up and dusted yourself off, that’s resilience right there.

You see, resilience isn’t about avoiding failure or hardship. It’s about facing it head-on, learning from it, and bouncing back stronger.

The fact that you’ve navigated through a major setback and are still standing is testament to your strength. Even if it doesn’t feel like it now, you are stronger than most. So give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve earned it.

2) You’ve been through grief

Grief is a universal experience, yet it’s one of the hardest things to deal with.

I remember when I lost my grandmother. She was my rock, my guiding light. And one day, she was just…gone. The void she left was enormous. It felt like I was drowning in sorrow, like I would never see the light of day again.

But here’s the thing – grief has a way of hardening you, of making you resilient in a way nothing else can.

Yes, it was hard. Yes, there were days when all I wanted to do was curl up and cry. But I kept going. I woke up each day, put one foot in front of the other, and lived.

And slowly but surely, I started to heal.

That’s resilience. If you’ve lost someone close and managed to get through the grief, you’re stronger than you think. Grief is an incredibly powerful experience that leaves us forever changed – but also more resilient than most others.

3) You’ve faced financial instability

Money worries can be a significant stressor. The constant anxiety about making ends meet, or the fear of unexpected expenses can take a toll on anyone.

In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, financial stress is one of the most common forms of stress, impacting 72% of Americans at least some of the time.

If you’ve lived through a period of financial instability and come out the other side, you are definitely resilient. It takes strength and determination to confront financial challenges head-on, make tough decisions and ultimately turn things around.

Whether you had to downsize your lifestyle, take on a second job, or find creative ways to stretch your budget, you’ve shown resourcefulness and resilience. And these qualities will serve you well in any future challenges life might throw your way.

4) You’ve overcome a debilitating fear

Fear can be incredibly paralyzing. It can hold us back from reaching our full potential and living our best life.

Perhaps you’ve had a deep-seated fear of public speaking but managed to deliver an important presentation at work. Or maybe you were terrified of flying but pushed through it to travel to a place you’ve always wanted to visit.

Overcoming a fear is no small feat. It requires courage, determination, and a strong will.

And let me tell you something – if you’ve done this, if you’ve faced your fear and not let it control your actions, then you, my friend, are more resilient than most.

You see, resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity. It’s also about pushing through even when every fiber of your being is telling you to stop. And that’s exactly what you’ve done by overcoming a debilitating fear.

5) You’ve forgiven a deep hurt

Forgiveness is a powerful act. It takes a great deal of strength and courage, especially when the hurt runs deep.

Maybe you’ve been betrayed by a close friend, or hurt by a family member’s actions. Perhaps you’ve been let down in a way that seemed unforgivable at the time.

Yet, you chose to forgive. Not because what they did was right, but because you understood that holding on to resentment was only causing you more pain.

This doesn’t mean that what happened was okay, or that you’ve forgotten about it. It simply means that you’ve decided not to let it control your life anymore.

And that, my friend, is a true act of resilience. It shows a deep emotional strength that many people struggle to find. You should be proud of yourself for having such a strong capacity for forgiveness. It makes you far more resilient than most.

6) You’ve made a big move

Moving to a new place can be incredibly daunting. There’s the upheaval of leaving behind everything familiar and stepping into the unknown.

I still remember when I packed up my life and moved across the country. I didn’t know a soul in the new city. The first few weeks were incredibly lonely. I missed my friends, my old neighborhood, even the corner coffee shop where I used to grab my morning brew.

But as time passed, I started to find my footing. I made new friends, discovered new favorite spots, and built a life for myself in this unfamiliar city.

Looking back now, that move was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It made me stronger, more independent, and yes, more resilient.

If you’ve ever made a big move, whether it’s across the state or across the country, give yourself some credit. It takes guts and resilience to start over in a new place and build a new life from scratch. And if you’ve done it, you’re certainly stronger than you think.

7) You’ve faced discrimination or prejudice

Facing discrimination or prejudice is a painful experience that can leave deep scars. It’s a harsh reality that many individuals face due to their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other aspects of their identity.

Living through such experiences can be incredibly tough. You might have been treated unfairly, judged based on stereotypes, or even denied opportunities.

But here’s the thing – if you’ve faced discrimination or prejudice and are still standing tall, refusing to let the ignorance of others define you, then you are resilient.

You’ve shown that you can stand up for yourself and for what’s right. You’ve proven that you can rise above the prejudice and continue to be proud of who you are.

This strength, this resilience, is something to be celebrated. It shows that no matter what life throws at you, you refuse to let it break your spirit.

8) You’ve survived a traumatic event

Surviving a traumatic event is perhaps one of the most significant indicators of resilience. Trauma can come in many forms – a car accident, a natural disaster, an act of violence, or any other life-threatening situation.

These experiences can leave you feeling shattered and utterly broken. But if you’ve managed to pick up the pieces and rebuild your life after a traumatic event, then you, my friend, are the epitome of resilience.

Remember, it’s not about how quickly you bounce back, but the fact that you do. Healing takes time and everyone’s journey is different. But having the courage to face each day, no matter how hard it may be, is the true mark of resilience.

So take a moment to acknowledge your strength. You are a survivor. And that makes you more resilient than most others.

Final thoughts: Resilience is a journey

Resilience isn’t built overnight. It’s a journey, filled with challenges, victories, setbacks and triumphs. And each one of us is on our own unique path.

Remember, resilience isn’t about not experiencing difficulty or distress. It’s about our capacity to bounce back from adversity.

If you’ve lived through any of these eight experiences, know this – you are more resilient than most. Each of these experiences has instilled in you a strength that many may never know.

But it’s not just about having lived through these experiences. It’s what you do with these experiences that matters. It’s about taking the lessons learned and using them to fuel your future growth.

As the Japanese proverb goes, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” That’s what resilience is all about.

So take a moment to reflect on your journey thus far. Acknowledge your strength. Celebrate your resilience. And remember, no matter what life throws at you, you have within you the capacity to rise again.