There’s a profound difference between being a strong woman and a resilient one.

Strength often becomes obvious when a woman stands her ground, shows her power, or asserts her rights. But resilience? That’s a different beast altogether.

Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from life’s adversities, to weather the storms and still stand tall. It’s about not just surviving, but thriving in spite of challenges.

And trust me, spotting a truly resilient woman isn’t always easy. It isn’t about loud declarations or showy displays of power. It’s more about subtle behaviors, consistent actions, and an unwavering spirit.

This article is about recognizing those signs. If you notice these behaviors, you’re likely dealing with an incredibly strong and resilient woman. A woman who doesn’t just navigate life’s ups and downs but embraces them as part of the journey to becoming the best version of herself.

Let’s dive in.

1) She embraces adversity

In life, there’s no shortage of challenges and hardships.

But how one reacts to these obstacles is what truly defines their character. For a resilient woman, adversity isn’t something to fear or avoid. It’s a chance to grow, learn and become stronger.

A resilient woman doesn’t shy away from life’s rough patches. Instead, she faces them head-on. She takes every setback as an opportunity to learn and improve. Every failure is a lesson learned, every challenge faced is a step towards growth.

She doesn’t just survive through the tough times – she thrives. She uses these experiences as fuel to propel her forward, not as anchors to hold her back.

That’s the mark of true resilience – embracing adversity with open arms and using it as a stepping stone towards becoming a better person.

2) She isn’t afraid to show vulnerability

Contrary to popular belief, being strong and resilient doesn’t mean you have to be tough all the time.

In fact, one of the most surprising signs of a resilient woman is her ability to show vulnerability. There’s a certain strength that comes from being open about your weaknesses and fears.

A resilient woman understands that it’s okay not to be okay. She’s not afraid to ask for help when she needs it or admit when she doesn’t have all the answers.

She realizes that vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a testament to her courage.

She knows that by exposing her vulnerabilities, she’s allowing herself to be authentic and genuine. And in doing so, she opens herself up to deeper connections with others and a more profound understanding of herself.

3) She values her independence

Independence is more than just being able to stand on your own two feet. It’s about cultivating an inner strength that allows you to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace.

A resilient woman cherishes her independence. She knows the value of being able to rely on herself, not just for the practical aspects of life, but also for her emotional well-being.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I discuss the importance of fostering a sense of self-reliance, especially in the context of personal relationships.

And that’s exactly what resilient women do. They don’t cling to others for their happiness or self-worth. Instead, they derive these from within themselves, creating a strong foundation that remains unshaken even when life throws curveballs their way.

4) She practices self-care

Self-care isn’t just about spa days and bubble baths – though those are wonderful, too!

At its core, self-care is about taking the time to nurture your physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about recognizing your own needs and taking steps to meet them.

A resilient woman understands the importance of self-care. She knows that she can’t pour from an empty cup, so she makes sure to fill hers up first. She prioritizes her well-being and isn’t afraid to set boundaries to protect her space and energy.

One of my favorite quotes is from the brilliant Maya Angelou who once said, “I do not trust people who don’t love themselves and yet tell me, ‘I love you.’ There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.”

Resilient women live by this wisdom. They love themselves enough to take care of their needs, so they can genuinely care for others.

5) She cultivates gratitude

Gratitude is magic. It’s that simple shift in perspective that can turn an ordinary day into a wonderful one.

In my own life, I’ve found that practicing gratitude daily has a transformative effect. It helps me stay grounded, appreciate the little things, and focus on the positives rather than getting bogged down by the negatives.

A resilient woman knows the power of gratitude. She is aware that even in the face of adversity, there are always things to be thankful for. She doesn’t take things for granted and makes an effort to appreciate the people and experiences that enrich her life.

She understands that gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you, it’s about feeling it deep within and letting it shape her outlook on life.

6) She keeps learning and growing

Life is a continuous journey of learning and growth – and a resilient woman is a lifelong learner.

She’s always open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. She doesn’t let failure deter her. Instead, she sees it as a stepping stone to success, a lesson to be learned.

Albert Einstein once said, “The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.” This quote resonates with me because it highlights the importance of continuous learning outside formal education.

A resilient woman embodies this spirit. She is always seeking knowledge and wisdom in all forms and from all sources – books, people, experiences. She knows that every day is an opportunity to learn something new and become a better version of herself.

Keep up with this journey of discovery by following me on Facebook. You’ll find my latest articles there in your feed.

7) She’s not perfect – and she knows it

Perfection is a myth. And a resilient woman understands this better than anyone else.

She’s not striving for an unattainable ideal of perfection. Instead, she embraces her flaws, her quirks, her mistakes. She knows that they’re part of what makes her human, part of what makes her unique.

She doesn’t hide her imperfections or pretend they don’t exist. Instead, she owns them. She’s honest about her shortcomings and doesn’t let them define her value or worth.

A resilient woman understands that perfection isn’t the goal. Growth is. Progress is. Becoming the best version of herself is.

A final thought

The journey of recognizing and celebrating the strength and resilience of women is one that we all need to embark on. It’s about acknowledging the depth and complexity of their experiences, their triumphs over adversity, their ability to grow through challenges, and their unwavering spirit.

Understanding these behaviors is not just about recognizing them in others, but also cultivating them within ourselves. Each one of us has the capacity for incredible resilience and strength – it’s about tapping into it, nurturing it, and letting it shine.

As we navigate through life, let’s remember to celebrate not just our triumphs, but also our struggles. After all, it’s through those struggles that we grow stronger and more resilient.

I believe this quote by Haruki Murakami beautifully encapsulates this: “Once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.”

In this spirit of growth and resilience, I urge you to delve deeper into these themes by watching this insightful video by Justin Brown titled “Is it too late to settle down and start a family in your 40s?”. Justin reflects on societal pressures, critical reflection and the courage needed to carve your own path in life.

As we continue exploring these deep topics together, I hope that each step brings us closer to understanding, appreciating, and celebrating the strength and resilience within each one of us.