We’ve shared some incredible stories of resilience below that we hope will help you on your journey towards building up your resilience.
Nikoleta Morales
I get my resilience from my faith! I have always felt a strong, deep connection with God and He has always been my light and guide. I have built resilience through the hardships and challenges I have faced throughout my life and overcoming them mainly due to my faith and strength. I came to America alone at 15 from Bulgaria. It was my first time abroad and alone. Read more>>
Danny Cocke
Having been diagnosed with two different stage 4 cancers already by age 41, I’ve had to reluctantly but positively fight for my life. Though the struggle was arduous and physically challenging, the spiritual and personal rewards have been exponential and I’m thankful for what these trying experience have done to elevate me on many levels. Read more>>
Dawn LaFontaine
My mother has an oft-repeated saying (that we sometimes like to tease her about), that people don’t learn from their failures; they learn from their successes. While I think there’s something to learn from all life experiences, including negative ones, when you’re talking about resilience, it takes achievement to develop this particular skill. Read more>>
Mario Wizzo” Fernandez”
My resilience is deeply rooted in the qualities I witnessed in my mother. Her unwavering determination and strength, especially during times when life dealt us challenging cards, have been a guiding force in my life. Seeing her navigate difficulties with grace and tenacity instilled in me a sense of resilience that I carry in my own journey. Whether facing the uncertainties of immigration or navigating the complexities of the music industry, it’s her example of perseverance against odds that continually inspires me to push forward, adapt, and succeed, no matter the circumstances. Read more>>
Keanna Hinds
My resilience stems from my pain. After losing my beloved mother in 2018 to murder, my world was flipped upside down. Unfortunately, in America, death of US Citizen’s abroad is not #1 on our government’s list of problems to fix. I felt confused, alone, defeated. Despite all those feelings, I was and still am a mother. Navigating through my own grief, learning to cope and lean on my own faith more than the faith of others was what helped me to thrive. Read more>>
Paige Sparks
I am a first generation lawyer, and I am not being dramatic when I say it feels like I have had to really fight for everything I have in life! I am used to having nothing to lose, and I have always been comfortable taking chances and risks that give other people pause. You have to be relentless and just keep trying when you want something because nothing worth having comes easy. Read more>>
JOY W
My resilience comes from a layer of being forced to face uncomfortable situations. I believe those situations have given me the resilience to face and remind me that there is nothing new under the sun. Nothing that faith cannot protect and lead me to something greater. The very things that try to hurt me are the same things that help build character and clearer vision. I see resilience as a chance explore unchartered territories and can sometimes be blessings. We should all consider our pasts and present situations as a chance to become better. Read more>>
Miss Jojo Joanna Burke
The Arts! I began dancing at age 3 and have been plugged into the arts ever since. Be it dance, acting, music, etc…it is these environments where the education goes beyond the classroom. Enrichment of this nature helps a child develop discipline, thick skin and responsibility. These environments encourage and support being bold & taking risks, going as big as you can, looking up to those who have skill sets you desire & forming relationships with them. Read more>>
Kate Berry
Being an only child I’ve always been fiercely independent and self sufficient. Having the confidence to travel solo, go freelance, move countries and sustain myself in areas where often people have support is empowering. I keep pushing in my work because I love what I do and over time have grown to believe in myself (albeit a constant work in progress!). Read more>>
Linda Lucas Hardy
My resilience comes from the love of what I do, as does my work ethic, my optimism, my purpose, my confidence and self-esteem. I get a great deal of satisfaction from what I do because I do it for me. If I were to lose focus and start panting solely for galleries or competitions, which is a never-ending balancing act, I’m sure I’d lose sight of why I do this in the first place and I doubt I would have the drive to continue. Read more>>
MaryBeth Hyland
If you had asked me this a few years ago, I probably would have said it was from the people around me and ahead of me who helped me to remember the power that is inside of me. But today, I know that every person’s resilience must come from within. Others can certainly support or magnify what’s possible on the other side, but you’re always the one who has to do the work to make it through. Read more>>
Igor Lekue
I like to lean on my family and friends. There are times when due to technological issues one can get stuck or blocked and need professional help… but for the rest my close people. Read more>>
Arnau Bosch
My parents and my grandparents, from both sides, have always been hardworking people. I grew up in a household where love, kindness, and respect were our way of living. A really tight family that always understood that nothing would be given to you and that hard work was the only way of living. Instead of understanding “hard work” as a painful fight that you have to deal with throughout your life, it was a positive attitude that always has to come with kindness and respect. So, I think growing up in this environment makes you asses tough times as another step of your journey, and another opportunity to analyze and learn. Read more>>
Cristian Faxola
From my year of trying. Mostly definitely from all the No that i got in every single audition or test. Being born and Raised in Brasil also doesn’t make easy, It’s a beautiful place full of talent people. But takes more than talent to get out of there and win outside. Read more>>
JAKE MALOTT
Where do I get my resilience from? That’s a great question. The first 3 years of growing my business I typically had two to three periods of a few months each where I’d be incredibly stressed out learning new processes or implementing new changes and this past year we went through a period that is actually still in effect lasting about a year of me personally being incredibly stressed. Read more>>
Florence Knight
My resilience comes from God and my two aunts who raised me! Katies Reynold and Bertha Roberson. I grew up in an atmosphere and never quitting find a way! Just because a issue arises doesn’t mean you stop trying. You just have to figure out a new way! I learned very young instead of quitting learn the lesson and move forward! Read more>>
Alexis Thompson
As a girl from Baltimores world reknowned location “The Corner” raised in a 3bedroom row house with my grandmother, my mother and my little brother. Resilience wasnt acknowledged it was expected. My grandmother raised me to take a hit and keep on pushing forward. Life has taught me repeatedly that storms and challenges will arise but you must push until success happens. Read more>>
Siera Sambrosky
Despite many tough and challenging time is this life, somewhere inside of me I always had a self-will to keep trying. I think that resilience is not the mindset of “powering through” or “Making yourself” keep going. Real resilience actually coming from properly processing and recovering from the experience. It’s taking in the experience and truly and deeply growing and learning from it. Read more>>
Kati Rausch
The answer is faith and sisu. I think my resilience has a lot to do with the way my hippie father raised me. My dad was always very optimistic. I grew up in a Christian hippie family and my paternal grandfather was a pastor. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. They were wonderful people and I admired the way they lived and practiced their faith. Read more>>
Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti
The passion for what I do keeps me motivated and going. Knowing that I can create opportunities instead of waiting for them and, or expecting them I believe has been key in my journey. Read more>>
Kesia and Willie Arnold
Kesia and I come from a line of strong, faithful, forefathers and mothers that overcame the world, literally. They pushed through the injustices the lack of equal opportunity, equal healthcare, and basic civil rights. They instilled in us persistence and resilience through their mere existence. The opportunities presented today far outweigh the options available to them. Read more>>
Terri Broughton
My resilience comes from past experiences. Learning and growing from events, people, failures, tripping over and standing up again. From continuing self development, facing the toughest obstacles. From feeling the fear, standing outside of my comfort zone, and doing it anyway. From having two beautiful children, realising that one size does not fit all. Realising that we all have ‘Special Needs’ Read more>>
Christine Escobar
My resilience comes from a decision to be brave. At the age of fifteen my father had left the home for good. Since I was 9 years old, he was in and out of the home for many reasons. At this time, I was attending a catholic all-girls school and my mother said to me that I would have to leave the school and attend public school. She gave me many reasons but the main one was financial. I felt safe and school was my safe haven from home life. Read more>>
Noel Alumit
I was born in Baguio City, the Philippines. I learned resilience from my parents and her people. I come from “Igorots” or an indigenous community in the mountain provinces. As the Philippines endured centuries of colonization, the Igorots managed to maintain their cultural identity and sense of self. This sense of strength is something my family wanted me to understand. Read more>>
Heather Schultz
Simple answer: Believing there has to be better. Longer answer: I’m certainly not the only one. We’ve all faced adversities in life. I will even be the first to admit that I know that there are others who have experienced greater setbacks and challenges than I have. I know I am blessed and fortunate in many ways, in which I’m very grateful for. But typically, we’ve all been through something. We all have a story to share. But I know that I know that I know what goes up, must come down. Read more>>
Maria Romano
When it comes to resilience, I find that remembering my “why” keeps me going. I want a life of financial freedom while supporting my family. I want to take that same stress off my family and allow them to focus on things they love. What helps, is knowing that it is possible to reach your goals, and with persistence and drive you are able to achieve anything you desire. Read more>>
Justin Williams
When reflecting on my journey and the resilience that fuels it, it draws deeply from the diverse tapestry of my personal experiences. Growing up in Baltimore, I frequently visited the Baltimore museum of art, I was immersed in a culture rich with vibrant colors, textures, and stories. From an early age, I found solace and inspiration in the visual narratives that surrounded me. Read more>>
Mara Shuster-Lefkowitz
As overwrought as this tale may be, my resilience comes directly from my Mothers and their mothers before them. I come from a long line of women who instilled compassion, activism and creativity as major pillars of who we were to be. My grandmother and her sister fought and organized for Miami’s teachers union in the 50’s, like their aunt and father before them fought for equality during the civil rights movement; and in turn my mothers’ organized for same-sex rights in the US (with me on their backs). Read more>>
MsTiQ pronounced Mystique” Harris”
I credit my resiliency to my faith in GOD and my family. Having a positive mindset and belief system plays a crucial role in how I am able to rebound despite life challenges. Building resiliency takes time and practice. No one is an island alone. I think we can learn lessons from other people’s experiences and also from our own. If we flip our way of thinking to seeing setbacks as stepping stones, we can move forward to success. Read more>>
Dominiqeu Myrie
I draw my resilience from a journey marked by self-doubt and inconsistency. Overcoming these hurdles required a mindset shift—I realized that my experiences and insights are valuable and can positively impact others. I’ve learned that taking action, even in the face of uncertainty, is key. I encourage women to embrace the “just do it” mentality. It’s better to take the leap, learn, and potentially succeed than to let self-doubt hinder progress. Someone will achieve what you aspire to; why not let it be you. It’s this blend of experiences, relationships, and mindset that fuels my resilience. Read more>>
Eli M
As a child, I was bullied at school by my classmates but I never felt sorry for myself, I never felt like a victim. I felt very sad about it and I struggled with anger issues for a little bit later on. I was always ready to defend myself and fight back when necessary. I guess I was born with that feisty fearless fire inside. This went on for about 2-3 years and then I changed to higher grade (there is a different school system where I am from – Czech Republic) and at this point, my classmates changed and I suddenly saw an opportunity to start over with “blank canvas”. Read more>>
Tangela Parker
Setback and challenges are a part of life. I was taught by my parents to harness the inner strength that has helps me rebound from life’s misfortunes and setbacks. They instilled being resilient will not make the problem(s) go away but will allow adaptation to difficult situations. Read more>>
Claire Stepanek
My family! I have so much support from them. Whenever I have hit a roadblock from when I was younger to now as a startup founder, they have been there to help me see the big picture or to give great advice. I have found it much easier to keep going in the face of uncertainty knowing that they believe in me! Read more>>
Karen Mosbacher
My entire life I was told “Don’t Tell.” In public, I wore the masks and pretended to live the homogenized version of happiness. But, behind closed doors, it was wretched and sickening. Dismissed by loved ones, friends, even family. I disappeared into passive nothingness and was quashed by control. Because no one heard my truth until, for a few minutes, I literally died. Read more>>
Zhaklina Spencer
My resilience is a combination of nature and nurture. Growing up Albanian (on my mother’s side), I witnessed first hand the hardships of my immigrant grandparents, mother, aunts, uncles and cousins had to overcome to navigate a new country and support their families. My grandfather’s example always inspired me- he moved to America with his wife and three little children with barely any money and an education that didn’t go beyond middle school to give his family a better life. Read more>>
Rae Groover
I owe my resilient spirit to my upbringing. I’ve watched my Mom make a way out of no way countless times and learned from watching her go through everything. She was 17 when she gave birth to me, so we grew up together in some ways. I found that I would focus on the outcomes of situations that others would allow to defeat them and I admired it. Read more>>
Trenell Eaton
Growing up, I watched my mom, who grew up without a fostering mother or father, do everything in her power to make sure all of her children were cared for to the best of her ability. Which meant if she was going to live in poverty, she was going to make sure that wherever we lived, the environment was safe and that we went to great schools. Read more>>
Phoenix Nicholson
I get my resilience from wanting to be a great actor and also, my resilience comes from my dad who pushes me and encourages me to do better and motivates me to be the best I can. Read more>>
Jesi Haack
I think I learned it from my parents. They both have always worked very hard and built their own legacies whether it’s through careers or just building us a home. I somehow picked up an attitude of literally never giving up. I once had me and my team trying to carry a wall up stairs and around a corner and it literally would not fit. I kept trying for hours. Read more>>
Maia Lor
That’s a great question. I got my resilience from my childhood environment and my mother. My parents are immigrants and grew up in a third world country, so when I heard their stories and watched what they went through, it built me to have really thick skin. Even though my parents joined forces to raise us, my mother was strong-willed and independent so for the most part, she raised us. She has one of the most purest and gentle heart I’ve ever seen. Read more>>
Jai Al-Attas
I believed I get my resilience from a combination of my family and my upbringing. I was born and raised in Australia, to an Indonesian immigrant Father and a white Australian Mother. My dad literally came to Australia on a boat when was 19 years old, didn’t have an education past the 8th grade and worked doing physical labor his whole life like being a cleaner or working scaffolding. Read more>>
Courtney Godsey
My Resilience comes from my mother. Seeing her face every obstacle that was presented left me no choice but to be strong as well. Her struggles & silent cries motivated me to go hard in everything i do, My family always spoke words of affirmations to me. For example that I was strong, That i was brave and That i was going to be a star as a kid. Those things followed me in life, When i came across others most would tell me that it was something special about me, I didn’t understand this. Read more>>
Dr. Tiesha Gresham
Where do I begin? As I began my journey into adulthood, I experienced so many situations and circumstances that sucker punched me and knocked me down. However, I learned that being down, does not mean being out. So no matter what I faced in my life, because of my faith I have been able to get back up again. I believe that trials and tribulations are only avenues to growth and success. My resilience has been built on my ability to take every blow as an opportunity to grow and not as a reason to quit. Read more>>
Gabrielle Garofalo
As someone who has survived many adversities…several little t or big T traumas; work discrimination; multiple instances of sexual harassment; almost losing my son at childbirth; depression; and the death of two best friends just this year alone, I have come to understand like anything in life we are at choice. I acknowledge that I am privileged to have access to resources like therapy; healing modalities like yoga nidra; somatics; breathwork; a yoga practice; meditation and many other modalities that have helped me step closer to my own truths. Read more>>
Hafeezah Ali
I don’t know. It was born in me, perhaps. I don’t think I’ve ever quit anything worth doing, not entirely at least. I may get tired and angry and ready to damn it all to hell, but even then, I’m quietly thinking of new ways to resuscitate. There’s always a whisper in the back of my mind, nagging: “what if?” That’s how it is with my business, Brown Bag Bargain Books. Moments of Eureka! and It worked! and What am I doing! and I’m done! Read more>>
Mark Matter
Before I became an engineer I had started a band called Reckless Serenade when I was a senior in high school. We started out like a lot of kids in small towns getting together in a garage and putting together songs that we loved. Over the next 5 years we would grow from a local band to a national touring band playing festivals like Vans Warped Tour and SXSW. Over those 5 years we experienced extreme highs and extreme lows traveling the country playing shows anywhere that was possible from Chinese restaurants to national music festivals. Read more>>
