We’ve shared some incredible stories of resilience below that we hope will help you on your journey towards building up your resilience.
Yolanda L.
Sometimes life can feel like you’re drowning in an ocean with no way to safe yourself. My life has felt this way for years. As a single mom I am always battling. My resiliency comes from my daughter. I always need to keep striving and keep trying for her. She is my life vest. My faith also plays a big part. Knowing that I’m protected, provided for and loved helps so much. Read more>>
Andrei Tsiapin
You know, it’s hard to say where I get my resilience from. It feels like it’s a question I ask myself often, and I’ve been hearing it from friends and acquaintances ever since 2020. More and more, it seems that resilience is like a dish, a salad with a mix of many ingredients. There’s personal experience, and then there are the people who shape who you are. There’s also faith in common sense, and of course, optimism, because in the current situation my country—Belarus—and Ukraine, which is so close to my heart, find themselves in, it’s difficult to believe in something good and bright. Read more>>
Carol Wilson
Resilience—the ability to adapt and thrive through challenges—is a quality I deeply value, and I attribute mine to two key sources: my mother and my unwavering positive outlook. My mother, a single parent of seven, was the epitome of resilience. She made countless sacrifices, always with a spirit of grace and determination. At 71, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of earning her degree—a powerful reminder that resilience knows no age limit. Her enduring faith and strength inspired me profoundly and continued to guide me daily. Read more>>
Alan Boffy
My resilience stems from a strong upbringing and the unique experiences that shaped my early years. I was introduced to a highly skilled and inherently dangerous trade—powerline technician—at a young age. This role demanded an unwavering focus on operating safely and efficiently, as any lapse in judgment could lead to serious accidents. Read more>>
Joshua Jimenez
I draw my resilience from the example set by my mother. Growing up, I watched her raise five kids on her own most of the time, facing adversity and fear with remarkable strength and grace. No matter how tough things got, she would rise each day with a smile and tackle life as if it were just another Tuesday. Read more>>
Kambua Chema
My resilience in photography is rooted in my profound love for creating images and capturing moments that tell a story. This passion was solidified by a deeply personal experience: the discovery of a photograph my late father took of me on my first birthday, sitting on the bonnet of a car and holding a camera. For years, I searched for this cherished image, which I had carried with me when I moved to the States for college. Last year, driven by determination, I finally uncovered it in an album stored away. On the back, alongside the date, were the words “photographer.” This moment reaffirmed what I’ve always believed—I was destined to be a photographer. It’s this sense of purpose, combined with the joy of creation, that fuels my resilience and keeps me pursuing my passion, no matter the challenges. Read more>>
Cody Harper
I’ve become resilient over the years through the trials & tribulations in my field. I’ve learned that you must be willing to sacrifice almost everything to get to the level you want to be at. You really have to give it your all to be a entrepreneur. I’ve failed SO many times over the years, questioning the path I was on. I’ve been rejected from countless jobs, been ignored by potential clients I wanted to work with, and have learned some hard very hard lessons that have costed me putting food on my table. But that’s how you truly grow and learn. I’ve grown through small wins, but most of growth has come from the bumps and bruises. Read more>>
Kae’chauna Sinclair
My resilience comes from walking in my purpose. I believe my purpose is to walk authentically through life. So, when things happen, even the hardest of things, I remember that experiencing this means that there is something left to learn from this. Thats where my resilience derives from. Read more>>
Steven Shackelford
Overcoming adversity, through resilience is something I have had to contend with all of my life. Growing up in Louisville Kentucky and living with my grandparents in a 1200 square foot home, while my parents finished their education was a challenge. You see there were 9 people in the household and money was very tight. Our community was lower middle-class that did not afford a lot of opportunities. As I sought opportunities to help earn money for the family, I learned early on that I had to overcome certain stereotypes versus being judged based on character. Therefore, at the age of 12 years old, it was evident that a work ethic no matter the circumstances would go a long way in helping others to understand there is something much deeper that would define my path in the community. Read more>>
Noderlin Vivas
For me, being resilient is a mix of faith and courage. I think it comes as a personal decision to not just let go of my inner power and not recognize it. It’s about honoring the unique and wonderful souls we are, admiring the creation that resides within. And of course, it doesn’t mean that we cannot feel sad or tired sometimes, but it’s all about seeing challenges exactly as they are: challenges. I come from a country where I’ve had to learn that over and over again in so many different ways. Situations in life are meant to show us things, to move us and transform our lives, to make us grow up and develop ourselves. Everything else is just in our minds. I think that the key is to open our arms to change and integrate it as the only constant thing in our life. Read more>>
Nicole Stewart
I gained resilience from my Grandmother. She was so strong and never let anyone tell her what she could and could not do. She taught me to never blend in and to always walk in a room with confidence and know I belong there. I may get knocked down 7 times but get back up 8 and try it again. Read more>>
Shauna Dukes
I never really knew about resilience or had given it any thought until I found myself drowning in a sea of grief after my 3 year old son died after a two and half year cancer journey, in 2017. I had never experienced emotional pain like that before and found myself depressed, feeling like an emotional zombie and simply existing rather than actual living. Read more>>
Boaz Sides
Mainly from work and/or traveling. While doing these things I can always see forward and be motivated. I also tried to surround myself with people & environment who can support my journey of being an artist, people that know how to motivate me or even
can give me feedback & critics about the way I create & work..people that I trust.
Over the years I understood that some days can be hard & some easy, the main goal to stay resilience is to be consistent & plan ahead. Read more>>
Caitlyn Fox
I think I have slowly developed it as I’ve gotten older. The more independent I became, the more I had to create this thick skin and resilience around me. It is definitely an acquired tool to have in this industry. You’re going to hear a lot of No’s before a Yes. It is not easy but I guess just trusting and believing in myself even when no one else does. I think that has really built this tool tremendously for me. Read more>>
Greg Park
Resilience, for me, is something that’s developed through a journey that’s been both tough and eye-opening. Growing up without parental guidance and experiencing homelessness, I didn’t expect much from life for a long time. I often made choices that weren’t great for me. Read more>>
Dr. Jaime Gabriel Raygoza
My resilience comes from a mix of life experiences and the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley as part of both the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities, I faced challenges that pushed me to develop a strong sense of self and adaptability. These early experiences taught me how to advocate for myself and bounce back when things got tough. Read more>>
Sandra Hodet
My husband and I’s resilience comes from our moving story :-). I think we like challenges and we really like meeting new cultures. This has allowed us to bounce back in the face of many obstacles. After leaving France for Quebec, we experienced many challenges but our family spirit and our work were rewarded. Now, we are settled here in Florida and are trying a new adventure once again. Florida didn’t spare us with the biggest hurricane in decades :-)… I believe that we are made to experience obstacles to learn to be stronger and to appreciate even more what we have. Read more>>
Deanna Araceli
This is a beautiful question. I get my resilience from my ancestors, blood and land, and my present family. My childhood upbringing was a bit dark in the beginning. I witnessed the abuse of my two older sisters and mother. At 5 years old, I told my mom that it was time to leave my father and get to a safe environment. Read more>>
Aimee Brigham
Resilience is a word often tossed around, but for me, it’s embodied by one person: my mother. She’s a woman who has faced life’s challenges head-on, weathering storm after storm with grace, determination, and an unshakable strength. Her journey hasn’t been easy. At just 16, she lost her father. Her mother, left to raise four children on a secretary’s salary, leaned heavily on her as the eldest daughter. My mom stepped up, balancing her responsibilities at school while helping her mother around the house. Read more>>
Zaach Cooper
Whether I knew it or not at the time, resilience is something that started early for me. In my youth I had a biological father who was either not a good person or not around at all. I was fortunate to have. a fantastic “step father”, who was actually my father in all the ways that matter, who died unexpectedly when I was a senior in High School. I’d been enlisted to join the Marine Corps at the time and, given the recent change to our family, my mom asked me not to go. Instead, I tried to go to college and basically just ran into one failure after another. But fortunately, I have no quit. In the early years, I sincerely don’t know if it was stubbornness, resiliency, naivete or some lucky combination. But by the time I actually enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2008 with that foundation, which could fill in the blanks and support the new elements being established and honed like discipline, leadership, accountability and mindset changes like “improvise, adapt and overcome.” Read more>>
Grace Nelson
Small business owners put their resilience muscle to work day in and day out. We often think about resilience in terms of big-time comebacks, but when your work is closely intertwined with your identity as is the case for many entrepreneurs, resilience is what helps you recover from regular setbacks like losing a sale, receiving negative feedback from a client, or navigating a jam-packed work week. Read more>>
Alejandro Diaz
I get my resilience from my family. From my mom and dad who had difficult upbringings as well as my older siblings who went out of their way to take care of me. My dad was a poor farm boy from St. Croix. His dad was Haitian and his mother was Spaniard. With my Grandmother belonging to a rich prestigious family in Spain, the Feliciano, she was abandoned by her family for marrying a black man and left abandoned in Puerto Rico. Where they moved to St. Croix and had a farm. Read more>>
Helen Cooney
I love this question. Something I often tell people about working in animal rescue is that these animals are the greatest teachers of resilience. I adopted Sammie, whom our organization is named after, during one of the most difficult periods of my life – unemployment due to COVID 19, a recently failed engagement, and a brand new auto-immune disorder diagnosis that left me very, very sick for a prolonged period of time. Sammie had been left behind by his family when they evacuated for a hurricane, tied up outside, left to fend for himself before being picked up by a rescue, put through a prison rehabilitation program, then shipped across many states and continuously passed up for adoption. A new family had just retracted their adoption application for him when I decided to get him. Read more>>
Zoe Cinel
Resilience comes from community. As an immigrant and a chronically ill artist, I faced some hard times in my journey. Having mentors, friends (and books!) around me, has helped me navigate the challenges of visa and the healthcare system. It also taught me what I can do to help others who might be going through similar challenges. Read more>>
Danaia Watson
This is a great question. I can honestly say it took a very long time to even know that I had a bit of resilience in me. The start for me was going to college to major in psychology. During my time studying, I realized that I had characteristics of depression. Since then I have been working very hard to manage that. I’m still learning my triggers, but being aware that I have triggers helps me snap out of my depression quicker. I used to be scared of making a mistakes or failing so I worked on facing those fears. Following my heart regardless if anyone else has my back or not. I remind myself it’s me against the word. Affirmations, always help. Read more>>
Katrin Ferge Somer Black
Resilience is the cornerstone of our work at KittenSnatchers Cat Rescue. For both of us, Kat and Somer, it comes from a combination of grit, determination, and perhaps a deep well of strength shaped by our past experiences. Growing up, we faced challenges that taught us how to stand strong in the face of adversity. That toughness is what fuels us to keep going, even when the odds feel insurmountable. Read more>>
Patrice Witherspoon
Where does my resilience come from? For most of my life, I thought it came from the expectation that I had to be strong enough to survive and thrive in a world that wasn’t created to cater to or protect me. I wore the “strong Black woman” label with pride like a crown, believing it reflected generations of Black women before me who fought, persevered, and survived against impossible odds. It felt like a testament to the fact that resilience is engrained in my DNA. Read more>>
Jayden Doye
My resilience stems from my upbringing and early experiences with limited resources. Growing up just shy of the federal poverty line in Prince George’s County, MD, I learned firsthand how to persevere, adapt, and make the most out of what little we had. That experience taught me the value of economic stability, and it set me on a mission to achieve financial growth and security—not just for myself but for others, too. This drive carried me through college, where I tackled significant student debt, and it fueled my career as I worked my way up from a small CPA firm to founding my own business. Read more>>
Lauren Petrullo
My resilience comes from a combination of pivotal life lessons and tough experiences. Growing up, my dad never simply said “no” to my goals. Instead, he always asked, “How will you accomplish it?” This instilled a solution-oriented mindset from a young age. But when I was just 12, my dad passed away, which shook my world. By my senior year of high school, I found myself experiencing homelessness—a particularly challenging period that deeply impacted my family. My brother, who had faced personal struggles and eventually hit rock bottom, became a guiding influence. He encouraged me to choose a different path—one that didn’t involve digging further into difficult circumstances but instead starting from where I was and moving forward. Read more>>
Mai Trabue
My resilience comes from my parents, Dy and Ba Nguyen, whose names deserve to be honored. They inspire me every day with their incredible strength. They arrived in the U.S. as refugees, carrying nothing but hope and the clothes on their backs. They didn’t speak a word of English and had to navigate a world that was foreign in every sense. With limited education and few resources, yet they never let those challenges stop them. They sacrificed, worked endlessly, and redefined what the American dream could mean—showing me through every struggle and triumph that anything is possible if you keep moving forward. Their story has shaped the resilience in me, showing that with courage and determination, no obstacle is too big to overcome. Read more>>
Sofia Silberman
My resilience comes from my ability to learn and adapt. I love learning and acquiring new knowledge and skills. This helps me find creative solutions to problems and keeps me going, even when things get tough. When I face a big challenge, I break it down into smaller steps. Then, I use what I already know to figure out the best way to tackle it. This helps me stay confident and focused. Read more>>
Gustavo De Los Rios
I get resilience from my family , life, experience , my failures that now I see those as learning process instead of a failure without them success won’t happen and won’t feel the same. Read more>>
Colleen Ferris Thompson
My various life experiences have undeniably made me strong and resilient. At the core of my strength is my faith and relationship with God. I firmly believe, “With God, all things are possible.” My journey toward resilience began at the age of 17 when I made the life-altering decision to leave home for college despite lacking my parents’ approval and support. I had always excelled academically, and I was determined to pursue higher education and felt an undeniable sense of purpose within myself. I found multiple jobs in order to pay for my education and life at college, and because of this – I knew that, ultimately, I could survive on my own. Read more>>
Lisa Salas
I draw my resilience from a deep belief in the possibilities of tomorrow. I’ve learned that challenges are opportunities for growth, and each setback teaches me valuable lessons. Surrounding myself with supportive people and focusing on my goals helps me stay motivated and bounce back stronger. Additionally, practicing gratitude reminds me of the positives in my life, which fuels my resilience even further. Read more>>
Lakira Porter
I get my resilience from parents. They always taught me to persevere and to keep reaching for my goals. They also taught me that it is okay to rely on them and my family when I think can’t move forward. Even after the loss of my mom back in 2017, I still hold her and my dad’s teachings close to my heart. I will never falter as long as I have my support system and my dreams to keep me going. Read more>>
Ashton August
Resilience: the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties. My resilience comes from a blend of life experiences and a deep inner drive. Growing up, I faced challenges that pushed me to develop a strong sense of self-reliance, but it wasn’t just hardship that shaped me – it was the support of loved ones, mentors, and my own commitment to growth. It is my belief that every setback can become an opportunity to learn, and over time, I’ve built a mindset built on perseverance. It’s also rooted in the purpose I’ve found in helping others, which fuels my determination to keep going, no matter the obstacles. Read more>>
Lindsay Colker
I was diagnosed with ADD at a young age, which contextualized why homework, reading, and studying always took me a long time. I didn’t think I was as smart as everyone else and had a hard time focusing; therefore, in order to compensate for my “shortcomings,” I would put an abnormal amount of time into my work. I also played competitive tennis from a young age, which helped shape me and my work ethic. Tennis is a mental sport and teaches you a lot about yourself. You can’t be successful at the game if you aren’t mentally strong. Read more>>
Hind Haidar
I am Lebanese. I come from some of the most resilient people on the planet. If Lebanon can get knocked down and rebuild itself to its glory dozens of times I can survive a setback and comeback stronger too. Read more>>
Lucas Penner
1) Other artists and creatives. They help me remember that uncertainty and constant risk is normal in this line of work. Helps me deal with rejection sensitivity. 2) Daily disciplines: getting outside, meditating, yoga, working out, eating well, sitting at a library to work instead of sitting at home. Keeps my brain (and body) from turning into goo. 3) Calls/meet ups with family and friends. Remembering that I’m a loved human being and not just a meat sack with the sole purpose of facilitating a career is absolutely essential for continuing on. Read more>>
Priya Rednam-waldo
As a licensed therapist and coach to high-achieving women navigating the unique journey from pregnancy to postpartum, I often share my story of resilience to help clients ground to their own resilience. It lives within each of us, it’s only a matter of tapping into it. Read more>>
Holly Brown
Resilience is a crucial trait that can significantly impact our ability to navigate life’s challenges. Based on my experience, resilience is cultivated through several key factors: 1. Optimism
The foundation of resilience often lies in optimism. This involves the ability to envision potential, recognize the upside, and focus on the best possible outcomes in any situation. Maintaining a positive outlook allows us to approach challenges with hope and determination. Read more>>
Alexandra Rivero
My resilience is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a journey of self-discovery and growth. While the loss of my mother was a profound tragedy, it ignited a fire within me. It forced me to confront my deepest fears and vulnerabilities, and ultimately, to emerge stronger. The world, with its infinite possibilities, serves as a constant source of inspiration, driving me to reach for the stars. The unwavering support of my loved ones has been my lifeline, reminding me that I am never alone. And my mother, a beacon of strength and courage, has taught me that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can endure. Her legacy, and the lessons I’ve learned from her, continue to fuel my determination to make a positive impact on the world. Read more>>
Leatrice Depp
Looking back on my life, I realize that many of the challenges I faced were actually setting me up for future experiences. I now view setbacks as valuable lessons rather than mere obstacles, as they offer opportunities for personal growth, mental resilience, and wisdom. I thank Almighty God who has provided the guidance, support, and strength and blessing me with my parents who made it a priority to instill this virtue in me. Read more>>
Britney Crosson
My resilience comes from my childhood. When we’re children, we tend to push forward through things, even when they’re quite difficult, because we don’t know any other solution. Our young brains and hearts aren’t jaded yet. And we don’t feel defeated by life yet. Little Britney went through a lot in her family. Yet still through the struggles, she had a true belief in her heart that she was here on this earth to do HUGE things. As I got older, life happened, as it does. And currently at the age of 44, I still haven’t accomplished all of the things that Little Britney strived for. That version of me is what keeps me going. I want to pull through for her. And if she could get through the shit she got through as a kid, I can get through anything as a grownup. Read more>>
Stephannie Moore
For me, the path to finding resilience has been established through overcoming many kinds of personal and professional obstacles. Each challenge has provided an opportunity to reinvent myself or grow in some way and I feel like I’ve been reinvented many times over through unexpected personal trials. I’m sure there are more transformations to come in my lifetime and I sincerely welcome transformation. I’m always looking to expand the understanding of who I am, like filling in missing pieces of my personal puzzle. I truly believe that resilience and wisdom have grown within me in the places where I’ve been hurt or made mistakes. Read more>>
