Resilience isn’t born overnight. It’s often shaped by our childhood experiences, some of which we may not even remember.

These experiences, while subtle, often lay the groundwork for the strength we exhibit in adulthood. Unbeknownst to us, they’ve been honing our resilience all along.

If you can relate to these 8 childhood experiences, you probably possess a level of resilience that’s higher than you give yourself credit for. So take a walk down memory lane with me and let’s uncover the markers of your concealed strength.

1) Frequent exposure to change

Childhood can be a whirlwind of changes – moving cities, switching schools, or even adapting to a new sibling.

These changes, while initially unsettling, can actually help inculcate resilience. Being routinely exposed to new situations forces us to adapt and navigate unfamiliar terrains.

This frequent adjustment to change at an early age can equip us with the ability to handle future upheavals with a sense of calm and confidence.

So if your childhood was filled with constant change, it’s likely that you’ve developed a knack for handling life’s curveballs with ease and grace. And that is a clear sign of resilience.

2) Learning from failure

We’ve all had our fair share of failures, haven’t we? I remember when I was learning to ride a bike as a kid. I must have fallen off a hundred times, scraping my knees and bruising my ego. But each time, I got back on.

Those bike-riding blunders taught me that failure wasn’t the end of the world. It was simply a stepping stone to success. I learned to pick myself up, dust myself off and get right back to it.

If your childhood was dotted with similar instances where you stumbled but didn’t give up, you’ve got resilience woven into your spirit. You’ve learned from an early age that setbacks are not stop signs, but merely bumps along the path of progress.

3) Exposure to diverse cultures

Experiencing different cultures and beliefs during childhood can have a profound impact on our resilience. It broadens our understanding and promotes empathy, acceptance, and adaptability.

Research suggests that children who have been exposed to various cultural backgrounds tend to be more flexible in their thinking and better at problem-solving.

This exposure builds a strong foundation for resilience by helping us understand that there’s more than one way to view the world or approach a situation. So if your childhood was rich with cultural diversity, you’re likely well-equipped to handle life’s challenges with an adaptable mindset.

4) Encouragement to express feelings

As a child, were you encouraged to express your feelings, even the negative ones? If so, you might be more resilient than you think.

Being able to openly share our emotions helps us to understand and manage them better. It teaches us that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared and that these feelings are part of being human.

This emotional literacy not only aids in mental wellbeing but also contributes to resilience. It equips us with the skills to navigate through rough emotional waters and bounce back from adversity. 

5) Having a safe space

Childhood isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, it can feel like a storm without an umbrella. But having a safe space, a place or person where you felt secure and loved, can make all the difference.

This could have been your grandma’s kitchen, baking cookies on a rainy day, or your dad’s old pickup truck, where you’d talk about everything and nothing all at once. It could have been a teacher who believed in you when no one else did.

These safe spaces become our anchors in the storm, teaching us that even in the midst of chaos, we can find peace. They instill in us a sense of security that strengthens our resilience and our ability to face future storms.

If you had such a sanctuary during your childhood, then chances are, you’ve got a great deal more resilience than you realize. You’ve learned that no matter how wild the storm, there’s always a safe harbor waiting for you.

6) Overcoming a fear

Remember those childhood fears that used to keep us up at night? For me, it was the fear of darkness. I used to think that monsters lurked in the shadows, waiting to pounce as soon as the lights went out.

But one day, I mustered the courage to confront my fear. I spent a whole night in the dark, and to my surprise, no monsters came. That was the day I learned that more often than not, our fears are only as real as we make them out to be.

Overcoming a fear at a young age can be a powerful lesson in resilience. It proves that we’re stronger than we think and capable of facing our fears head-on. If you’ve had similar experiences of overcoming fears during your childhood, you’ve been building resilience all along without even knowing it.

7) Facing adversity

Adversity in childhood, though tough, often serves as a catalyst for resilience. Struggles, disappointments, and hardships teach us to be strong and persistent.

Whether it was dealing with the divorce of your parents, the loss of a loved one, or overcoming an illness, these challenging experiences shape us. They force us to adapt, grow, and learn how to cope with life’s ups and downs.

If you’ve faced adversity during your childhood and emerged stronger on the other side, it’s a testament to your resilience. It signifies that you possess the strength to withstand life’s storms and come out stronger on the other side.

8) Having a role model

Having a role model during childhood can significantly impact our resilience. Someone who embodies strength and perseverance can serve as a beacon, guiding us through tough times.

Whether it was a parent, teacher, coach, or even a fictional character, their actions and attitudes teach us how to handle life’s challenges. They show us that it’s possible to rise above adversity and thrive.

If you had such a role model in your childhood, their influence probably played an essential part in molding your resilience. Their example has shown you that no matter the circumstances, it’s always possible to bounce back and keep pressing forward.

Final thoughts

Reflecting on our past, especially our childhood, can shed light on many aspects of who we are today. Our resilience, often unacknowledged, is a testament to the experiences we’ve weathered and the lessons we’ve learned.

Each of the 8 experiences we’ve discussed plays a part in shaping our resilience. However, remember that resilience isn’t merely a product of your past. It’s also a choice you make in the present.

Growing up, American novelist and Nobel laureate, Ernest Hemingway, faced numerous hardships, from witnessing his father’s suicide to enduring physical injuries in war. Yet, he once said, “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”

Embrace your past experiences, recognize your strength, and keep choosing resilience. After all, it’s these broken places that have made you stronger than you realize.