If you’ve lived through these 8 experiences, you’re more resilient than the average person

Resilience is not just a buzzword. It’s the grit and determination that helps you bounce back from life’s challenges.

We all have our own battles, but some experiences truly test your mettle. They shape you, mold you, and ultimately reveal your resilience.

You know, there are certain experiences that make you tougher than the rest. If you’ve lived through these 8, chances are, you’re stronger than the average Joe.

Let’s dive into these experiences and see how they’ve made you more resilient.

1) Dealing with failure

Let’s face it. Failure is tough. It can knock you down and make you question your worth.

But here’s the thing about failure – it’s a powerful teacher. It provides you with valuable lessons that success often doesn’t.

When you’ve fallen flat on your face, it forces you to reevaluate, to rethink, and most importantly, to get back up.

If you’ve faced failure, dusted yourself off, and got back in the ring, that’s resilience right there.

Bouncing back from failure builds character and strength. It may not feel like it at the time, but in retrospect, you’ll see how this experience has made you stronger than most.

Failing is not the opposite of success. It’s part of it.

2) Overcoming a personal loss

I’ve always believed that life is a beautiful journey, but it’s also filled with unexpected turns and heartbreaks.

I remember when I lost my grandmother, who was not just a family member, but my confidante and my rock. The grief was overpowering, and it felt like a piece of me was forever gone.

But with time, I realized that the pain was not there to destroy me. Instead, it taught me about the strength I never knew I had. The loss made me understand the true value of relationships and the fleeting nature of life.

Processing grief, picking yourself up, and moving on is not easy. But if you’ve done it, trust me, you’re hardier than most. It’s these moments of despair that become turning points in our resilience journey.

3) Surviving a natural disaster

Natural disasters can be terrifying. They not only cause physical damage but also leave psychological scars. From hurricanes and floods to wildfires, surviving these forces of nature can take a serious toll on your mental health.

But did you know that people who have lived through natural disasters often develop an enhanced ability to cope with stress and adversity? It’s a psychological phenomenon known as post-traumatic growth.

Post-traumatic growth doesn’t diminish the severity of what you’ve gone through. But it highlights your ability to adapt, evolve, and build resilience out of the ruins.

4) Practicing mindfulness

Now, this one is quite interesting. It’s not a life experience per se, but more of a practice that can make you remarkably resilient. I’m talking about mindfulness, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism.

In our fast-paced world, we often forget to live in the present moment. Our minds are either engrossed in the past or anxious about the future. This is where mindfulness comes to our rescue.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deep into the art of mindfulness. It’s not just about meditation, but also about being present and fully engaged with life as it unfolds.

Practicing mindfulness allows us to bear witness to our thoughts and emotions instead of becoming overwhelmed by them. It helps us realize that our feelings are fleeting and that we can choose our reactions to them.

This understanding fosters resilience. It equips us to handle stress, anxiety, and adversity with grace and strength. 

5) Battling with health issues

Health is something we often take for granted, until we no longer have it. A few years back, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. It was a challenging time, filled with countless doctor visits, medication trials, and periods of debilitating symptoms.

But through this journey, I discovered an inner strength I didn’t know I possessed. It was a grueling process, but it taught me patience, acceptance, and perseverance.

Facing health issues isn’t just about physical endurance. It’s a mental and emotional battle too. And coming out on the other side makes you stronger than you can imagine.

6) Experiencing financial hardship

This one might seem a bit counter-intuitive. After all, who would think financial hardship could make you resilient?

But let me tell you, struggling financially can be one of the most challenging experiences. It’s not just about the lack of money. It’s about the stress it brings, the insecurity, and the constant worry.

However, here’s the interesting part. Going through financial difficulties can also teach you a great deal about resilience. It forces you to become resourceful, to make do with less, and to appreciate the simpler things in life.

Navigating through financial hardship can be an eye-opening experience. It can help you realize what truly matters and instill in you a sense of gratitude for the things you do have.

7) Coping with relationship breakdowns

Relationships are a fundamental part of our lives. They bring joy, companionship, and a sense of belonging. But when they break down, it can send your world into a tailspin.

Whether it’s the end of a romantic relationship, a falling out with a close friend, or estrangement from family members, these experiences can be incredibly painful.

However, each broken relationship teaches you something about yourself and others. It forces you to reassess your expectations, your boundaries, and your capacity for forgiveness.

The process of healing from a relationship breakdown is not easy. It takes time, patience, and a lot of self-love. But once you come out the other side, you’re undeniably stronger and more resilient.

8) Standing up for yourself

The most crucial experience that builds resilience is standing up for yourself. It’s about asserting your rights, defending your values, and not letting others walk over you.

It could be a confrontation at work, dealing with bullies, or saying “no” when you’re usually the “yes” person. It’s challenging, often uncomfortable, but incredibly empowering.

This experience teaches you confidence, self-respect, and the importance of boundaries. It reaffirms your worth and bolsters your resilience like nothing else.

Final thoughts: Resilience is a journey

At the end of the day, resilience isn’t a trait that some of us are born with and others not. It’s a journey, a continual process of learning, growing, and bouncing back.

We all have our battles, our victories, and our losses. And it’s these experiences that shape us, mold us into the resilient beings we are.

Whether you’ve faced failure, overcome personal loss, survived a natural disaster, or stood up for yourself, these experiences have made you stronger. They’ve taught you the value of perseverance, the power of hope, and the beauty of resilience.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the concept of resilience from a Buddhist perspective. It provides a unique lens to view life’s challenges and offers wisdom on how to navigate them with grace and fortitude.

Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties or hardships. It’s about facing them head-on, learning from them, and emerging stronger.

So if you’ve lived through these 8 experiences, know that you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. You’re more resilient than the average person. And that’s something to take immense pride in.