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

by Tina Fey | March 10, 2025, 2:54 pm

Resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. It’s about bouncing back from adversity, standing tall in the face of challenges, and pushing forward when the going gets tough.

Ever wondered if you’re more resilient than the average person? Well, there are certain experiences that can test and refine your resilience like no other.

If you’ve lived through these 8 experiences, chances are, you’re stronger and more resilient than you give yourself credit for. Let me walk you through these experiences – and why they’ve made you tougher than most.

1) Battling through severe illness

Let me tell you something, nothing tests your mettle like a severe illness.

Whether it’s a physical ailment or mental health struggle, battling through a serious health issue can feel like you’re fighting a war within your own body. It’s a test of endurance, patience, and sheer willpower.

It’s not easy, and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. But when you come out the other side, you’re stronger for it. You’ve faced something that would have knocked many people off their feet, yet you’ve managed to keep on going.

If you’ve lived through this kind of experience, give yourself a pat on the back. Because surviving a serious illness makes you more resilient than most people realize.

Bet you never thought of it that way, did you?

2) Surviving loss

I’ll share a bit of my own journey here. A few years back, I lost someone very close to me. It was unexpected and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

Grieving is hard work. It takes its toll on you emotionally, mentally, and even physically. There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed, let alone face the world.

But as time passed, I learned to adapt. I learned to live with the pain and slowly but surely, I began to heal.

Looking back, that experience forced me to grow in ways I never thought possible. It taught me about my own strength, my capacity for resilience.

If you’ve experienced a significant loss and come out the other side, know this – you’re stronger than you think. The fact that you’re still standing is proof of your resilience.

3) Living through a natural disaster

Natural disasters can be terrifying and life-altering. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods – they sweep in and leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

But did you know that people who’ve survived natural disasters often exhibit high levels of resilience? It’s true. The experience of surviving something so devastating teaches you a lot about survival and adaptation.

You learn to pick up the pieces, to rebuild, to push forward even when everything around you is in ruins. You learn that you can overcome incredible odds and come out stronger on the other side.

And that, my friend, is the very definition of resilience.

4) Overcoming financial hardship

There’s no sugar-coating it – financial struggles can be crippling. Living paycheck to paycheck, not knowing if you’ll be able to make ends meet, it can feel like you’re constantly walking on thin ice.

But if you’ve lived through this kind of stress and still managed to keep your head above water, it’s a testament to your resilience.

Navigating financial hardship forces you to think creatively, to make tough decisions, and to persevere even when things look bleak.

So while it’s a struggle no one should have to face, coming out the other side of financial hardship leaves you with a stronger sense of resilience and a skill set most people don’t possess.

5) Enduring a broken heart

Ah, the pain of a broken heart. It’s a universal human experience, yet it feels so intensely personal when you’re in the thick of it.

Whether it’s a romantic relationship gone south, or the loss of a friendship that meant the world to you, heartbreak can be one of the most painful experiences to endure.

But here’s something to remember: Every heartache you survive makes you stronger. It teaches you about your own capacity for love, your ability to heal, and the incredible resilience of your spirit.

So if you’ve endured a broken heart and still managed to keep your heart open and loving, take a moment to recognize your strength. You’re more resilient than you know.

6) Surviving failure

I remember a time when I had put all my eggs in one basket, betting everything on a job that I thought was my big break. But things didn’t go as planned. I didn’t get the job.

It was a blow to my confidence, my self-esteem took a hit and I felt like a failure. But here’s what I learned from that experience – failure isn’t the end of the road. It’s just a detour.

Surviving failure teaches you about tenacity and perseverance. It forces you to get back up after you’ve been knocked down, to dust yourself off and keep going. It’s a testament to your resilience.

So if you’ve faced failure head-on and still managed to keep pushing forward, know this – you’re stronger than you think.

7) Living through a traumatic event

Trauma can come in many forms – a violent attack, a terrible accident, the sudden loss of a loved one. These experiences can shake you to your core and leave lasting scars.

But if you’ve lived through traumatic events and found a way to move forward, it’s a testament to your resilience.

Trauma forces you to confront your fears and vulnerabilities. It pushes you to find ways to heal and adapt. And while it’s an incredibly tough journey, surviving trauma leaves you with an inner strength that’s hard to match.

So if you’ve weathered the storm of trauma and come out the other side, give yourself credit for your resilience. You’re stronger than you know.

8) Thriving in the face of adversity

Adversity is a part of life. It’s not a question of if it will happen, but when.

But here’s the thing – it’s not about the adversity itself, but how you respond to it. It’s about your ability to adapt, to rise above, and to keep moving forward even when the odds are stacked against you.

If you’ve faced adversity and not only survived, but thrived, then you’re a testament to the power of resilience. You’ve shown that you have what it takes to overcome challenges and come out stronger on the other side.

Remember this – resilience isn’t just about survival. It’s about learning, growing, and thriving in the face of adversity. That’s what truly sets you apart.

Embracing your resilience

Here’s something to ponder – resilience isn’t just about survival, it’s about growth. It’s about facing adversity head on and coming out stronger on the other side.

The beauty of resilience is that it’s not a static quality. It’s something that can be nurtured, developed, and strengthened over time.

So whether you’ve lived through one of these experiences or all eight, take a moment to appreciate your journey. Each setback, each challenge, each heartache you’ve endured has molded you into the resilient person you are today.

Remember this – every experience, every struggle, and every triumph contributes to your resilience. It’s a testament to your strength and your ability to bounce back.

So embrace your resilience. Cherish it. And most importantly, use it as a stepping stone as you navigate the ups and downs of life.

After all, life isn’t about avoiding the storms, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.

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