We’ve shared some incredible stories of resilience below that we hope will help you on your journey towards building up your resilience.
Sterling Davis
Born and raised in the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania, my upbringing was anything but conventional. With parents battling addiction and the looming struggles of street life, my path was often difficult. Yet, despite their flaws, my parents were filled with love, and I was surrounded by good-hearted people who saw more in me than my circumstances. Their support was the first lesson in resilience, teaching me how to rise above challenges and carve my own future. Read more>>
Tashay Williams
The resilience that I possess is from a collective of things. However, first I want to tap into the meaning of the word. When you break down the definition of resilience, you get the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. I owe evey bit of resilience that I possess to my childhood. The difficult circumstances that I endured as a child over time helped me to be able to adapt quickly to uncomfortable situations. Read more>>
Alex Roa
I believe my resilience comes from a combination of my personal experiences and the drive to create something impactful. Growing up and building multiple companies, I’ve faced numerous challenges, from navigating the complexities of starting a business to overcoming obstacles in scaling and expanding into new industries. Each challenge taught me that resilience is about adapting and learning rather than simply pushing through. Read more>>
Mark Hemstock
Resilience is often a quality built through a combination of personal experiences, values, and the environments we navigate. For me, resilience stems from the path I’ve walked both as an individual and as a business owner. Growing up, I learned early on that challenges were a part of life. The ability to adapt, push forward, and maintain optimism in the face of adversity shaped my approach to both personal and professional endeavors. My family instilled in me a strong work ethic and the belief that perseverance is the key to success, and these lessons continue to be the backbone of my resilience today. Read more>>
Elisa Zebian
I get my resilience from my parents and grandmother. They are all incredibly inspiring individuals that I’ve had the privilege of being raised and loved by. My art has a bit of all of them whenever I paint.
My mother is a force to be reckoned with. She is always so strong, even when clouded by doubts or fears of the obstacles we have faced together as a family. Amongst the storms and tidal waves, I know I’ll always find her remaining standing tall and proud, secure in her resilience to stay anchored and encourage me to move forward to better things in life. I aspire to become as grounded and confident as she is, and to always make her proud. Read more>>
Tsubasa Nishioka
I don’t have a naturally gifted physique, nor do I believe I have any special talents. I consider myself clumsy and slow to grasp things. However, I’ve been able to choose and follow the path I love. Why? It’s all thanks to my dance master. He constantly encouraged me, gave me options, and provided me with the foundation and techniques of dance. Through continuous practice, I was able to achieve results in competitions, and through numerous performances, I discovered my own value. Read more>>
Cathy Tran Nguyen
From Immigrant Roots to Entrepreneurial Success: My Journey of Resilience and Confidence . I came to the United States at 15, facing the challenge of adapting to a new culture and language without the support of my family nearby. Raised in an Asian family where girls were expected to be quiet and obedient, I struggled with the pressure to conform. But life in America taught me that to be understood and to succeed, I had to break those cultural boundaries and learn to speak up. Read more>>
Stacey Millhorn
I am the oldest of three girls. We were raised by a mom who faced challenges growing up, but always pushed forward with a strong sense of determination. She chose to get not one, but two PhD’s while she has three girls at home and a husband who was going through Fellowship and starting an Oncology practice. She showed us that making a decision and executing a plan could result in great achievements. Read more>>
Effie Panagopoulos
Physical fitness is a huge part of my life, and I’ve experienced quite a few injuries. It’s an analogy for all things in life. I had a major back injury at 19, to being hit by a car in 2007 with 3 herniated disks and 2 ruptured, broken toe in 2013 that was a 6 mo rehab, torn acl in 2020 that I rehabbed non operatively for a year, to a torn meniscus this year that finally got me in the operating room, and I’m 7 weeks now post op. Read more>>
Alicia Parker
I would say alot of my stubbornness, resilience and work ethic came from my dad. We were taught we only had one name and we needed to do the right things in our personal life and in business to be respected. My dad was a farmer, a agricultural professor for 41 years. He would go from the college to the fields to provide fresh food for us. He was a great believer in treating people right even if they didn’t return it. He taught me to work hard and be proud of my success but never to brag. Read more>>
Lacresha Woolridge
I believe my resilience come from all the things that I went through as a young girl seeing my mom or jobs and that be there because she had to seen the pain that my family went through, and also my relationship with God. Read more>>
Enrique Murguia
My resilience comes from growing up in a unique blend of two cultures, having an American mother and a Mexican father. While we didn’t have much, my parents ensured we always had our basic needs met. I traveled to Mexico and witnessed the poverty my father experienced growing up, which gave me a deep sense of perspective. Even though my life in Milwaukee had its challenges, I realized how fortunate I was in comparison to my father’s upbringing. The lack of material things in my life didn’t hold me back—it drove me to push harder, to face challenges head-on. Additionally, the trauma I experienced growing up became a catalyst for personal growth. Each hurdle I’ve faced has made me stronger, teaching me to be resourceful and persistent, no matter the obstacles. Read more>>
Janice Kelly
My resilience comes from the influence of my hard-working parents. My mother immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam on her own with almost nothing and worked tirelessly to build a life here and support her family. For her giving up was not an option, it was a matter of survival. Additionally, my father, worked in a high stress sales job and faced many highs and lows typical of the profession. His mentality was to wake up every morning with a positive attitude and to get back out there no matter how tough the previous day had been. They both instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, self-respect, and an attitude that no matter how many times you fall, you get back up. Read more>>
Marvin Gabriel
Growing up as an only child without a father figure during my formative years, I quickly learned to navigate life’s challenges independently. As a teenager, I found myself drawn to a fast-paced directionless lifestyle, influenced by those around me who I believed embodied strength and manhood. However, after several close encounters with losing my freedom and experiencing significant betrayal and loss, I realized that this path was not sustainable. Read more>>
Heather Olsen
I get my resilience from having to overcome many hardships. As a child and into my young adult years, I endured sexual, mental, and even physical abuse from the ones I trusted most. Having to learn to survive and overcome such extreme mentally demanding challenges, I discovered that it didn’t matter how many times I got knocked down, I always learned to pick myself back up and keep going. During my art career, I think this is one of the biggest reasons I never gave up even when times were tough. As a kid, art was my outlet. Read more>>
Megumi Reagan
My resilience stems from my early life experiences. In hindsight, my childhood could be described in job-speak as a “fast-paced and dynamic environment.” Having learned to pivot, problem-solve, and bounce back early on, these skills became second nature to me in my professional life. Read more>>
Evan Gary Hirsch
I believe that resilience is one of humans’ greatest qualities, and has been the driving force to enable our survival for these few hundred thousands of years. We can only imagine the adversity, challenges, and opposition to survival that our ancestors (and some of us!) have faced along the journey to the present day. I feel that the primary driving force for humans is to love, be loved, belong to something bigger than ourselves, and participate in something that benefits more than just us. As one of Leo Buscaglia’s books is titled, we are literally “Born for Love”. As they say, no man is an island, and we literally could not survive on our own. Read more>>
Andrew Denicola
My resilience as a musician is innate. I was always grabbed by sound and the effect it has on others. When you know what you want to do, you learn to deal with the obstacles that come with it. Being an active professional musician, I am always open to the opportunities that come my way. Each experience has helped me learn what I want more and less. When I was younger, I had some teachers who imparted lessons about what it takes to be a professional. This was to be prepared, show up on time, and always look like you’re enjoying yourself. Read more>>
Vida
My mother: her favorite saying/ words to live by are “take ‘can’t’…the word ‘NO’ out your vocabulary”. It was like a trigger for her, and that’s all I saw growing up- it’s how I was raised- what was instilled in me. So the older I get and the more I go through life, the more experiences I go through, the more I witness first-hand and learn that SOME people do what they want to do…..SOME do what they can….and SOME just don’t give af until you make them by showing them who you are and what you’re capable of doing. Not only is that resilience, that’s being relentless- that’s how you get things done. Read more>>
Christina Daley
I appreciate this question a lot as it brought me back down memory lane trying to pinpoint major influences for how I have developed this quality. For most of my young life my external world was chaotic, drug and alcohol consumed family unit, emotional and verbal abuse, lack of stability, and lots of moving around. As I moved into my young adult life I found that I mirrored a lot of that upbringing by my own drug and alcohol use, quite a bit of my own romantic/personal relationships that were unhealthy and unsustainable, and my own instability and lack of self love/worth. Read more>>
Christina Daley
I appreciate this question a lot as it brought me back down memory lane trying to pinpoint major influences for how I have developed this quality. For most of my young life my external world was chaotic, drug and alcohol consumed family unit, emotional and verbal abuse, lack of stability, and lots of moving around. As I moved into my young adult life I found that I mirrored a lot of that upbringing by my own drug and alcohol use, quite a bit of my own romantic/personal relationships that were unhealthy and unsustainable, and my own instability and lack of self love/worth. Read more>>
Tristan Tolley
I get my resilience from the experiences and challenges I’ve faced throughout my life, especially over the past year. Losing my dad was a huge blow, but one thing he always said that really stuck and stayed with me my entire life was “keep one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward… onwards and upwards son!” My dad also taught me the importance of staying strong for the people who depend on me, like my family and my younger siblings. Read more>>
Taylor Clemons
I would say my resilience comes from my past failures. Each time I’ve stumbled, I’ve learned something that can’t be taught any other way. Failing can be rough and lead to a lot of uncertainty and doubt, but I’ve come to value those moments. They’ve taught me some of my most important lessons and given me what I needed to bounce back. It’s all part of the journey! Read more>>
Allison Moses
My resilience comes from not giving up on myself and allowing me to be misunderstood, I think is really huge. I have been faced with some struggles in life that is for sure, made many mistakes along the way. But I am not a victim nor entitled to an easy life. I am grateful and very thankful for my parents being so supportive along my path and detours that have made me who I am today. I am very fortunate to have found a wonderful community of other like minded individuals along this journey of new experiences that have nothing but positive vibes and focus on all the good things we are working on. I branded myself, so that I would have something to keep me going everyday as a reminder to not give up, no matter what. Read more>>
Nazli Donmez
It has a lot to do with my inherent traits and upbringing. My parents always joke that I always had an adventurous spirit and a fearless demeanor about me, even as a toddler. I’m grateful to them for encouraging my desire for independence and allowing me the safe space to build confidence in myself and others instead of trying to instill a servile attitude in me that could have stunted my growth as an individual. Read more>>
Nybriah Gudes
I get my resilience initially from mom who I have watched time after time get back up when life’s obstacles came her way. She is the reason I know how to face adversity and view situations in a positive way even when it’s hard. My relationship with God has helped me to know every situation I am faced with it is just another page in my story but not the entire book. Read more>>
Kris Larson
My resilience comes from the challenges I’ve faced and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Moving to San Diego at a young age and building my practice from the ground up taught me perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in myself. Every challenge or hurdle has been an opportunity to grow stronger and more focused. Read more>>
Domonique Allen
My resilience was born out of a life full of adversities. At a young age I lost my father and it really reshaped my world. I had to learn what it meant to carry on even if you didn’t feel like it. Watching my mother, I learned that even in the face of tribulation, life goes on. She taught me that giving up is never an option and that no matter how hard it seems, there is always a way. She has been my cheerleader from day one and she has stuck by my side through the deepest lows, and the highest highs. She is the definition of you just keep going. Read more>>
Morgan Rusher
As a fashion designer, my resilience often comes from a mix of passion, creativity, and the ability to adapt. It’s driven by a deep love for the craft, the thrill of seeing an idea take shape, and the understanding that setbacks are part of the creative process. Rejection, competition, and constantly changing trends can be challenging, but resilience is built by viewing these obstacles as opportunities for growth and reinvention. Read more>>
Mariel Mercedes
I have been struggling with depression for over 20 years after going through a traumatic situation that left its mark on me. During those 20 years of depression I had several moments where I thought that there was no point in continuing to live.for me, being able to finally not have depression and not need medication after 20 years is what I truly call resilience. Read more>>
Pourtia Deal
My resilience is rooted from my grandmother. She raised me with the help of my older sister & aunt, and did it beautifully. Her comforting hugs were always the “safe space” I imagined when needed. She was my favorite person, she passed away when I was 13 and took a big piece of my heart when she left. Instead, she left me with her will power and perseverance. My grandma showed me what true faith was. I come from a small country town, my mother moved me to Dallas, Texas, 6 months before she passed. It was the first time I moved schools or out of my hometown, I was overthrown with a million emotions and didn’t know what to expect. Read more>>
Tray Haymon
I think my resilience comes from losing so many times and failing so many times. It comes from wanting to give up but not being mentally able to because you know you’re meant to have the things you’re chasing. Giving up is too easy. I’ve always wanted to be the odd ball, the one that makes the impossible, possible and i understand that comes with many lows and things not working out and those moments are what make me stronger and give me the ability to keep trying and going. Read more>>
Lizbeth Mejorado
I am a single mom of 2 awesome boys , they keep me in my toes, they are my little cheerleaders and an inspiration for me to keep growing and leave them a legacy of persistence and resilience. Read more>>
Fern Clausius
My resilience is my strongest trait. This comes from my grandfather, Richard Fern. He was a man that never stopped trying, never gave up. Despite challenges in his career, with his family, or with his health, he refused to waver. He fought cancer seven times. Watching him fight for the majority of his life, instilled this incredible trait in me. I do what I do, for him. Read more>>
Asha Owens
I believe my resilience comes from having a strong faith in God. Also, realizing that if I were to give up, all of my efforts and hard work would be in vain. So, I continue to persevere and live to fight another day. Read more>>
Nadine Moore
I was never handed anything in life. Everything I have ever had was earned from hard work and dedication. My parents worked hard for everything they had, my father worked and traveled with the military and my mother worked in addition to caring for our family. I gained my family’s work ethic and always wanted to be fully Independent from the age of 16. Working as a woman in chef in big cities like NYC also taught me to have a tough skin! Read more>>
Wynn Parrott
If I had to sum up my story in a single word, resilience would define it. My small business began with a story of grief. My beloved husband, Kyle, passed unexpectedly in a workplace accident while I was nine months pregnant with our baby girl. The loss of Kyle changed everything for me, including my profession. I spent my professional career as an Art Educator. Thirteen collective years teaching an array of students in sculpture, drawing and painting, crafts, IB and AP Art. I have always loved and embraced creativity and the way art enriches our world. Read more>>
Michael Coppola
I’ll tell you the truth – I never thought I was special to be honest. My own mom didn’t even want me. How can I be special if the one person who (is supposed), to love me doesn’t? Read more>>
Jerry Barrish
Resilience, a really powerful word. I think I was born with it. I don’t recall a time in my life where I let obstacles get in my way. I think I might have gotten it from my father, who was a professional boxer. If you get resilience through genetics, I got it from my father. If it’s learned, it’s self-taught resilience. I have had a fear of failure in everything I’ve ever done. I didn’t want to fail. Read more>>
Zipporah Aka: The Mistress Of Melody
I learned a lot about what it means to be resilient from my mom. My mom has been through a lot of unfortunate and unexpected situations, that have affected her health & life in significant ways. She’s battled an illness that almost took her life, another virus that rendered her blind in her early twenties, and being a single mother of two children. Through all of those adversities, I never had to go without anything that I needed, and she made things happen for herself and us. Her life didn’t stop when it should’ve, and because of that, I’ve grown to understand that as long as you have breath in your body, you can keep going. Read more>>
Lydia Thibodeau
I didn’t understand the true meaning of the word resilience until I became a mother. Resilience is getting up at 5:00am to fill your cup before your kids are up at…wait for it…5:30. It is making 3 meals a day for your family and standing while you eat the leftovers and do all the dishes. It’s listening to “Colors of the Rainbow” on repeat 10 times and then Jingle Bells. It’s going to a park, farm, or play-space (you haven’t lived if you’ve never been to one) all weekend to make your kids happy and then getting up the next morning and literally doing the whole thing again. Motherhood is not for the weak of heart and it has challenged and changed me in ways I still can struggle to fully articulate. And yet, it is the best and most worthwhile thing I have ever done. Read more>>
Lisa Coleman
I attribute my resilience to my grandmother, Esperanza Hope Gomez. Born into a family of farmworkers, she faced numerous challenges, including dropping out of school in the third grade and being separated from her siblings. Despite these hardships, when she married my grandfather and became a stay-at-home mom, she refused to let her lack of formal education or difficult circumstances define her life. While my grandfather, who served in the military and later worked in civil service, was the main provider, my grandmother found ways to contribute financially. She took on various side jobs, such as doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, and reselling items long before it became popular. Read more>>
Brittany Seader
Out of necessity! Over the last year and a half I’ve separated from my husband, moved out of our house and assisted my parents with my dad’s cancer treatments, while owning my own business, working 2 other jobs and being a single mom. But to be honest, what’s the other option? You have to keep pushing through because everything is important in its own right and deserves my attention. So even on days where I want to stay in bed, I can’t. I put my head down and sometimes I promise myself that if I can just get everything done that I need to in a day, I can spend the evening binging Real Housewives instead of doing laundry. Read more>>
