Resilience isn’t just an innate trait, it’s something that’s built up through life’s trials and tribulations.

We all have our unique battles, and each one of these experiences shapes us, molding us into stronger individuals. What experiences?

Ones like the eight we will cover today. It’s safe to say that if you’ve lived through all of these, you’re more resilient than the average person.

Let’s dive right in. 

1) You’ve faced significant loss or tragedy

Loss is a part of life. It’s something that everyone experiences at some point, but the way we handle it can vary greatly.

If you’ve lived through a significant loss or tragedy, it’s likely that you’ve had to confront feelings of grief, sadness and despair. It’s not an easy task.

Yet, if you’ve come out the other side of such an experience, it’s a clear indication of your resilience. This doesn’t negate the pain or hardship, but rather highlights your ability to navigate life’s toughest storms.

These experiences force us to dig deep and find strength we didn’t know we had. They teach us about our capacity to endure and adapt, making us stronger and more resilient in the face of future challenges.

It’s not about forgetting or erasing these painful experiences, but learning to live with them and grow from them. That’s the mark of true resilience.

2) You’ve bounced back from a career setback

Career setbacks can be demoralizing and downright scary. They force you into unfamiliar territory and push you to reevaluate your path.

I recall my own experience when I was laid off from my job. The shock, the fear, and the sense of failure were all-consuming. It was a situation I had never imagined I would find myself in.

Yet, looking back now, I see how it made me more resilient. It forced me to reassess my skills, my passions, and my career direction. It wasn’t easy, but eventually, I found an even better job that truly aligned with my interests.

If you’ve experienced a significant career setback, whether it’s losing a job or a failed business venture, and have managed to bounce back, you’ve demonstrated a great deal of resilience.

3) You’ve lived through a major health crisis

Whether it’s your own or that of a loved one, a major health crisis can be a life-altering experience. The uncertainty, fear, and physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming.

But there is a silver lining. Individuals who have faced such challenges often show increased resilience.

These experiences force us to confront our vulnerability, but they also reveal our inner strength and the capacity to endure even the most challenging situations.

4) You’ve taken risks and stepped out of your comfort zone

Stepping out of your comfort zone is always a bit unnerving. It involves taking risks and potentially facing failure or rejection.

Whether it’s moving to a new city, starting a new job, or even trying a new hobby, these experiences push us beyond what’s familiar and comfortable.

These experiences teach us to cope with uncertainty and adapt to new situations, making us better equipped to handle future challenges. And they often prove that we are capable of more than we might initially believe.

Have you taken such risks?

Good for you. It shows your willingness to confront the unknown and to embrace change. This is a key aspect of resilience.

5) You’ve worked through difficult relationships

Relationships are complex. They require effort, patience, and a great deal of understanding. Whether it’s a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a familial bond, navigating the intricacies of these connections can be challenging.

If you’ve found yourself in a difficult relationship and worked tirelessly to mend or improve it, you’ve shown resilience. It’s not easy to face conflicts head-on and work through the emotional turmoil they often bring.

Difficult relationships teach us about empathy, compromise, and forgiveness. They make us more resilient by showing us that we can endure emotional pain and still come out stronger on the other side.

6) You’ve faced discrimination or bias

Facing discrimination or bias is an unfortunate reality for many people. It’s a deeply painful experience that can leave lasting scars.

However, these experiences, while incredibly tough, often fuel us to fight for change, empowering us and others around us. They teach us the importance of standing up for our rights and the rights of others.

Discrimination and bias can be faced in many forms, but overcoming these hurdles is a testament to your inner strength and resilience.

7) You’ve struggled with financial hardship

Financial hardship can be an incredibly stressful and challenging experience. It often comes with a heavy load of worry and uncertainty that can impact every aspect of your life.

I know this all too well. There was a period in my life where I was living paycheck to paycheck, unsure if I would be able to cover all my bills.

During this time, I had to make tough choices, learn to budget meticulously, and find creative ways to stretch every dollar. It was a difficult journey, but it taught me valuable lessons. 

If you’ve also experienced financial hardship and managed to overcome it or are still navigating through it, know that you’re demonstrating resilience. These experiences often force us to become more resourceful and to appreciate the value of what we have.

8) You’ve overcome personal failures

Have you faced personal failures and managed to pick yourself up again?

Personal failures can be some of the most crushing experiences. They hit us right where it hurts, shaking our confidence and self-esteem.

However, getting through these experiences teaches us that failure is not a death sentence but a stepping stone toward growth. They help us learn, adapt, and build resilience.

It’s not about never failing; it’s about never giving up. 

Embracing your resilience

Resilience isn’t just about weathering life’s storms, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

It’s about understanding that each struggle, each setback, each heartache, is an opportunity to grow stronger and more capable.

Every person’s journey is unique, and we all face different challenges. But if you’ve lived through some of these eight experiences, remember that you have demonstrated an incredible level of resilience.

So take a moment to reflect on these experiences and recognize the resilience within you.