If you’ve lived through these 10 experiences, you’re more resilient than the average person

Life throws a lot at us, doesn’t it?

From the minor setbacks to the major life-altering events, it’s how we deal with these experiences that define our resilience.

Resilience, that’s the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. And let me tell you, a few hardships can really build up that bounce-back muscle.

You know, as someone who’s delved deep into mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve learned that difficult experiences in life can be our greatest teachers. They help us grow stronger and more resilient.

Let’s get started. 

1) You’ve faced major failures

There’s a saying in Buddhism that “failure is the greatest teacher.” And from my personal journey into mindfulness and resilience, I can tell you it’s true.

We all face failures in life. But it’s not the failure that defines us; it’s how we pick ourselves up and move forward that does.

Failing at something, whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a personal goal, can be a soul-crushing experience. And it’s not easy to dust off the disappointment and start again.

But if you’ve lived through major failures and have managed to bounce back each time, you’re showing signs of being more resilient than the average person.

Resilience isn’t about never failing; it’s about learning, growing, and coming back stronger from each failure. That’s mindfulness in action right there.

Keep that in mind next time you’re faced with a setback. It’s not a dead end; it’s just a detour on your journey to resilience.

2) You’ve experienced heartbreak

Ah, heartbreak. It’s a universal experience, isn’t it?

Losing a loved one, going through a tough breakup, or experiencing the end of a long-term friendship can feel like your world is falling apart.

But believe it or not, these painful experiences can strengthen our resilience muscles.

Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen master and global spiritual leader, once said: “No mud, no lotus.” In plain terms, without suffering, there would be no happiness.

Now, I’m not saying we should seek out heartbreak. But if you’ve navigated the rough waters of emotional pain and have come out stronger on the other side, you’ve got the mark of resilience.

It’s the pain that allows us to appreciate joy. It’s tough to hear in the midst of heartache, I know, but it does make us stronger. And that’s resilience in its purest form.

3) You’ve been through significant life changes

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. One moment you’re comfortable and settled, and the next, you’re facing a significant life change.

I’ve been there myself. When I started Hack Spirit, I was stepping into the unknown. It was a massive change, and yes, it was daunting.

But whether it’s moving to a new city, changing careers, or adjusting to a new family dynamic, these big shifts can test our ability to adapt.

If you’ve braved the waves of change and managed to find your footing again, that’s resilience. It’s not about resisting change, but learning to flow with it.

Life is impermanent. Change is the only constant. And if you can navigate these shifts with grace and courage, you’re certainly more resilient than the average person.

4) You’ve overcome personal insecurities

We all have insecurities. They’re those nagging, self-doubting thoughts that can really hold us back.

Maybe you’ve struggled with body image, a fear of public speaking, or even feelings of not being good enough.

Buddhist teachings remind us that “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” It’s a powerful reminder to be kind to ourselves.

If you’ve confronted your insecurities, worked on self-acceptance, and started loving yourself despite your perceived flaws, then you’re building resilience.

Overcoming insecurities is a journey, not a destination. It’s about taking small steps towards self-acceptance and self-love every day.

When you’re faced with a situation that triggers those insecurities, remember the quote. Show yourself some love and kindness. That’s resilience in action.

5) You’ve navigated the storm of mental health issues

Mental health struggles can feel like you’re in a deep, dark hole with no way out. I know, because I’ve been there myself.

Whether it’s depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue, these experiences can challenge our resilience like nothing else.

However, if you’ve battled with mental health issues and are still standing, let me tell you, friend, you’re stronger than you think.

I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to build resilience during these times is through self-care and seeking support. Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown’s book, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World, is an excellent resource. It provides practical strategies to navigate life’s messiness and create a happier life.

It’s okay not to be okay. It’s not about never falling down; it’s about getting back up again and again. That’s the essence of resilience.

6) You’ve faced financial hardship

Let’s face it, money woes can be incredibly stressful.

Maybe you’ve lost a job, faced unexpected expenses, or struggled with debt. These experiences can feel overwhelming and deeply challenging.

But if you’ve navigated through financial hardship and managed to get back on your feet, that’s resilience right there.

It’s not about how much money you have; it’s about your attitude towards it. Practical steps like creating a budget, cutting unnecessary expenses, and saving for the future can make a huge difference.

Resilience is not just about surviving these tough times, but learning from them and growing financially smarter. That’s real-world resilience in action.

7) You’ve faced rejection

Rejection can sting, can’t it? It doesn’t matter if it’s professional, personal, or even social; it hurts.

I’ve had my fair share of rejections over the years. Each one felt like a punch to the gut. But you know what? Each one also made me stronger.

Mindfulness teaches us to accept rejection as a part of life, not an end-all. It’s about recognizing the pain, allowing yourself to feel it, and then letting it pass.

If you’ve faced rejection head-on and continued to put yourself out there anyway, you’re incredibly resilient.

Every ‘no’ brings you one step closer to a ‘yes’. So, the next time you face rejection, take a moment. Breathe. Then pick yourself up and keep going. That’s resilience in its purest form.

8) You’ve lived through loss

Loss is an inevitable part of life, yet it’s one of the most difficult experiences to navigate.

Losing someone you love can shatter your world. But it’s in these moments of profound grief that we often find our deepest strength.

As the great author C.S. Lewis once said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”

If you’ve lived through the loss of a loved one and managed to keep moving forward, you’re demonstrating resilience of the highest order.

It’s not about forgetting or moving on; it’s about learning to live with the loss. It’s about carrying their memory as you continue to live and love. That’s resilience at its deepest level.

9) You’ve embraced solitude

Now, this one might seem a little counterintuitive. Isn’t resilience about bouncing back from adversities? What’s solitude got to do with it?

Well, in my personal journey with mindfulness, I’ve found that spending time alone can be a powerful resilience-building exercise.

You see, solitude allows us to confront our thoughts and feelings head-on. It gives us space to reflect, heal, and grow. It teaches us to be comfortable with ourselves, which is a crucial aspect of resilience.

If you’ve spent time in solitude—whether by choice or circumstance—and have learned to appreciate your own company, you’re showing signs of resilience.

Embracing solitude doesn’t mean you’re lonely; it means you’re in good company. So next time you find yourself alone, take it as an opportunity to strengthen your resilience muscle.

10) You’ve persevered through physical challenges

Physical challenges, like a serious illness or injury, can test our resilience in profound ways.

It’s not easy to keep going when your body is in pain or when you’re facing a lengthy recovery process. It can feel like your world has been turned upside down.

But if you’ve lived through physical challenges and continued to push through, despite the pain and discomfort, you’re showcasing remarkable resilience.

Practical steps like following your doctor’s advice, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying positive can make all the difference.

Resilience is about understanding that our bodies may break, but our spirits are unbreakable. That’s what resilience is all about.

Conclusion

Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardships; it’s about rising above them. Each of these experiences can shape us, mold us, and make us stronger than we ever thought possible.

And remember, resilience is a journey, not a destination. It’s about growing, learning, and bouncing back, no matter what life throws at us.

If you’re looking for more ways to build your resilience and navigate life’s messiness, I highly recommend Jeanette Brown’s book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World. It’s a practical guide filled with actionable strategies to help you build a happier, more resilient life.