We don’t often realise the incredible amounts of strength we gain from the tough times we go through in life.
Of course, it’s hard to focus on the positives in the face of adversity, and once you manage to move past a particular challenge, the last thing you want to do is reflect on it, even if you’re looking for the upsides. However, it’s really important that you give yourself credit for being able and willing to get right back up and try again when you’ve been knocked down, especially when it’s happened too many times to count. If you’ve gone through these experiences and come out the other side still standing, you’re so much more resilient than you’ve ever realised or gave yourself credit for.
1. Losing someone you love
Grief is one of the hardest emotions to face. Whether it’s losing a family member, a close friend, or a partner, it can feel like your whole world has changed overnight. The loss leaves a void that’s hard to fill, and moving forward can feel impossible in the moment. But you did move forward, even if it took time. You’ve learned to carry the memory of that person with you while finding ways to keep living. That ability to keep going, even with the weight of loss, is a sign of incredible resilience and emotional strength.
2. Facing financial struggles
Dealing with money issues is more than just a numbers game—it’s emotionally draining, too. Constant stress about bills, rent, or debt can leave you feeling stuck in survival mode. It’s a weight that doesn’t just impact your wallet, but also your mental health and sense of security. Yet, every creative solution you’ve found, every tough choice you’ve made, shows your resourcefulness. You’ve stretched every penny, worked extra hours, or found a way to make it work when it seemed impossible. That kind of determination isn’t something everyone has—it’s proof of your resilience.
3. Starting over after a setback
Whether it’s a breakup, losing a job, or an unexpected life change, starting over is never easy. It’s disorienting to lose something you’d built your plans around, and the idea of rebuilding from scratch can feel overwhelming. Those moments can make you question your strength and ability to bounce back. But here you are, picking yourself up and finding a new way forward. Starting over is a chance to redefine your path, and each step you’ve taken is proof of your ability to adapt. It takes real grit to keep going when life throws a curveball, and you’re doing it.
4. Moving to a new place
Source: Unsplash Leaving behind your comfort zone and starting fresh somewhere new is a huge adjustment. Whether it’s a new city or country, figuring out everything from finding your way around to building new friendships can feel like climbing a mountain. The loneliness and uncertainty can be tough to navigate. The fact that you’ve taken on this challenge and found ways to settle in shows just how adaptable you are. Every small step, like finding your favourite coffee spot or meeting a new friend, proves your ability to create a life for yourself, no matter where you are.
5. Surviving heartbreak
Heartbreak can make everything feel heavier—whether it’s from a breakup or the end of a meaningful friendship. The loss of someone who once felt like a huge part of your life can shake your confidence and leave you questioning what comes next. That being said, you’ve learned to heal, piece by piece, even if it’s taken time. You’ve found ways to rediscover yourself outside of that connection and move forward stronger. Surviving heartbreak shows your ability to cope with vulnerability and turn pain into growth, even when it’s hard.
6. Living under constant stress
Whether it’s work deadlines piling up, personal responsibilities, or unexpected challenges, constant stress can take a toll. Feeling like you’re always on edge or racing against the clock can make even small tasks feel overwhelming. It’s easy to forget how much effort it takes just to keep going. However, each day you’ve managed to show up, push through, and keep things running is a testament to your resilience. You’ve handled more than you thought possible and still found ways to get things done. Even if it feels like a struggle, your ability to keep moving forward speaks volumes about your strength.
7. Overcoming major illness or serious health struggles
Facing health struggles, whether they’re physical or mental, can feel isolating and exhausting. The uncertainty, appointments, and emotional strain can make it hard to stay positive. It’s a test of patience, endurance, and hope all rolled into one. Every step you’ve taken toward healing, no matter how small, is proof of your resilience. You’ve shown strength in the way you’ve faced challenges and adapted to the changes they bring. Surviving tough health experiences shows just how determined and capable you are, even in the face of adversity.
8. Coping with betrayal
Betrayal from someone you trust is a unique kind of pain. It shakes your sense of security and can make you question your judgement. Whether it’s a friend, partner, or colleague, feeling let down by someone close can leave lasting scars. Still, surviving that hurt shows your strength in setting boundaries and moving forward. You’ve learned who truly deserves your trust and how to protect your peace. Each step you take toward healing from betrayal is a reminder of your resilience and ability to rebuild.
9. Balancing multiple responsibilities
Managing work, family, relationships, and personal goals all at once is no small feat. It’s easy to feel pulled in a hundred directions, wondering if you’re giving enough to any one area. The constant juggling act can feel exhausting and thankless, but every time you’ve managed to meet a deadline, show up for a loved one, or just make it through a tough day, you’ve proven your strength. Balancing life’s demands takes patience and perseverance, and you’re stronger than you realise for tackling it head-on.
10. Facing rejection
Rejection stings, no matter the context. Whether it’s a job application, a romantic interest, or a creative project, hearing “no” can make you doubt yourself. It’s hard not to take it personally, especially when you’ve put your heart into something. That being said, every time you’ve got back up and tried again, you’ve shown incredible resilience. Rejection doesn’t define you—it teaches you to keep going, even when the path isn’t smooth. It’s proof that you’re willing to grow and keep moving forward, no matter what.
11. Processing and recovering from a traumatic childhood
Growing up in a challenging environment forces you to develop strength at an early age. Whether it’s dealing with financial struggles, family instability, or a lack of support, these experiences shape who you are. They often require you to mature faster than your peers and figure out how to navigate life on your own terms. Looking back, surviving those early challenges shows just how tough you are. You’ve gained tools like adaptability and problem-solving that continue to serve you today. What you went through as a child might have been unfair, but the resilience you’ve built is something no one can take away.
12. Experiencing loneliness
Periods of loneliness can feel like they stretch on forever. Whether it’s being far from loved ones or feeling disconnected in a crowd, loneliness forces you to sit with your thoughts and emotions in a way that’s uncomfortable but revealing. Surviving those moments shows you’ve learned to rely on yourself and find strength within. Loneliness teaches you the value of connection when it comes, and helps you appreciate your own company. It’s a quiet kind of resilience, but no less powerful for it.
13. Bouncing back from failure
Failure can feel like hitting a wall, especially when it’s tied to something you care deeply about. Whether it’s a project, a dream, or a personal goal, falling short can make you question everything. Of course, failure is never the end unless you let it be. Every time you’ve got back up, adjusted, and tried again, you’ve proven your resilience. Failure isn’t about falling—it’s about what you do afterward. Learning to see it as part of the journey, rather than the end, shows a strength that will carry you through life’s toughest moments.
