Adversity Doesn’t Discriminate—But Neither Does Resilience
Hard times don’t care who you are. They hit everyone—rich or poor, young or old. No one gets through life without struggle. But if adversity doesn’t discriminate, neither does the ability to overcome it.
No matter your background or circumstances, you have the same chance to bounce back and come out stronger.
I’ve faced my share of challenges. When I was eight and battling cancer, life felt unfair. When I returned to school, I was bullied for looking different. Later in life, I faced grief after my dad’s passing and the madness of an infertility diagnosis. Each time, it felt like the ground had been ripped from under me.
But I realised something: I couldn’t control what happened to me, but I could control how I responded. That lesson has stayed with me ever since.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about choosing to bounce back stronger after it. And the good news? Anyone can make that choice.
Why Struggle Can Make You Stronger
Science backs this up. Psychologists call it post-traumatic growth—the idea that going through challenges can actually make you more resilient. When you survive something difficult, your brain rewires to handle stress better in the future. The more you push through, the stronger you get.
How to Build Resilience, No Matter Where You Start
Adversity may not discriminate, but resilience doesn’t either. You can take small steps to strengthen your ability to bounce back, no matter your situation:
Reframe the struggle – Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” Shifting your mindset helps you move forward.
Take control of what you can – You can’t change everything, but you can always take action, even in small ways. Progress—no matter how small—builds momentum.
Lean on others – No one overcomes adversity alone. Asking for help or sharing your struggles doesn’t make you weak—it makes you stronger.
My Challenge to You
Think of a setback you’re facing right now. Instead of dwelling on how unfair it is, focus on what’s within your control. What’s one step you can take today to move forward?
Hard times come for everyone, but so does the ability to rise above them. Your circumstances don’t decide your future—you do.
Stay Resilient,
Ro