resilient |riˈzilyənt|
(of a substance or object) able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
Some time ago, I met a woman* who shared with me her life story. She grew up very poor and was working and supporting herself by the time she was 15 years old. As a child, she lived in a constant state of fear from a family member who physically abused her. She recounted stories of her being kicked, slapped, and punched in the body, face, and head, with scars to show for it. When she was in her mid-40’s, she was involved in a car accident that almost left her paralyzed. The firefighters had to cut the roof of her car and then hoisted her broken body out.
Multiple surgeries and weeks of rehabilitation later, she finally learned to walk.
As she sat in front of me, she shared about her secret to appreciating and living a happier life. She told me that letting people know that she was “just happy to be here” no matter what the life or work environment was like helped put perspective on things. When she would hear others complain about their jobs, she’d chuckle and say “I’m just happy to be here.”
This amazing woman taught me the true meaning of appreciating and loving life. Through the trauma and challenges (poverty, abuse, auto accident) she made a conscious decision to influence how her life would turn out. Today, she’s happily married with children of her own.
Have you met people with life-changing stories? Do you have a story of your own? Please share with our readers.
*Note: This woman is a fictional person who represents true stories from real-life survivors of trauma and abuse.
December 18th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
You’re absolutely right. In our daily routine, we find it difficult to find catalysts for change. However, when something extraordinary and unforeseen happens, it is possible to be a effective catalyst to make the positive change. Great article.
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December 18th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Seeker: Well said. I think for some it does take something monumental or extraordinary to shake their core beliefs about life. For all the things we learn in school and in books, it seems that the “life lessons” are the most valuable.
December 27th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Such a person would be one with the highest level of human dignity. How easy it would be to have an overly bitter disposition as a result of the bad hand she was dealt in life. Instead, she exudes happiness, which positively effects everyone around her. Had she become bitter, should would of still effected those around her, albeit in a way that was damaging.
December 27th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Absolutely. What’s so amazing is that it’s so easy to become negative and “infect” others with it through our own sufferings. I know people (negative) who are complete opposites of this woman (positive) and just being around these negative folks makes you feel like your life energy is being sucked out of you.
December 27th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Agreed Steve. The influences of negative people are far reaching. For this reason and others, happiness is indeed a *moral obligation*. At the very least, one should be neutral.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Well said Bamboo. Well said.
January 16th, 2008 at 12:24 am
I have chosen to not let an abusive childhood keep me down. What we make of ourselves and our lives is always a choice.
January 16th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Survivors of abuse such as yourself are examples of courage and hope for so many others. You are a living testament to the power of the human spirit to recoil from trauma. I appreciate you sharing with our readers.