People admire resilience, presumably because it’s a defining characteristic of humanity: our ability to survive. Our most beloved art forms, like theatre, often incorporate themes of resilience. You’ll frequently encounter showcases, news stories, and biographies celebrating individuals who display remarkable perseverance against formidable odds. Sports enthusiasts cheer louder for the underdog or Cinderella team when they secure miraculous victories against superior opponents. Social media influencers tap into this admiration for resilience, sharing their struggles to garner likes, subscribes, and follows.
I’d like to consider myself resilient, but to be honest, my life has been relatively comfortable. Likely, I have no real grasp of what resilience entails. I enjoy recounting my past calamities with a flair for the dramatic, but truthfully, my challenges pale in comparison to what it truly takes to dredge resilience from one’s soul and conquer overwhelming adversity.
Yet, this does not detract from the fact that all people possess the capacity for tremendous resilience. It’s in our nature. We might not recognize it because our lives are predominantly comfortable. Modern society has adjusted our perception of normalcy, making even our worst situations seem inconsequential compared to the hardships faced by our distant ancestors. This doesn’t mean we lack the potential to rise to the occasion and demonstrate exceptional grit.
I once tried to record interviews for a podcast. Despite considering myself a decent interviewer, my production capabilities were lacking. I admire those with a creative and artistic flair who can weave together stories that inspire. During one of these interviews, I spoke with Greg Gadsen, a former colonel in the U.S. Army, whose story is an incredible testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome the most crippling circumstances. His resilience is genuine. Listen to the interview on Spotify (yes, I’m aware the audio isn’t great).
Greg’s story, among others, has deepened my understanding of resilience. Thus, I hesitate to label myself as resilient, having never been truly tested in such a profound way. Sure, I’ve experienced hardships, disappointments, and failures, but I’ve never faced life-or-death situations or had my soul’s mettle tested. Now, I wield the concept of resilience with care, having looked into the eyes of those who have genuinely suffered, survived, or lost hope. I haven’t earned the right to claim the same level of resilience they have.
The badge of resilience is earned. It’s not something to claim lightly, reserved for those who’ve had everything on the line, lost much, and yet found the strength to claw their way back to mere survival. Advancing despite total loss is a reality few of us will ever encounter. While we can attempt to introduce discomfort into our lives by stepping away from our comfort zones, even that does not equate to the true honor of resilience. It comes to those without choice.
However, there is one choice we can make: to immerse ourselves in the company of those who have showcased their extraordinary resilience. Such individuals are a wellspring of inspiration. By associating with them, we can gain insights into the benefits derived from conquering the insurmountable. We can learn from them, support them, and grow alongside them. What I’ve ultimately learned is that this profound drive resides within us all, ready to be tapped into whenever we face obstacles that seem insurmountable.
