10 Life Experiences That Built Inner Strength
Life is full of ups and downs, and our experiences shape us into who we are. Some of these experiences can be life-altering and cause us to grow and mature in ways we never thought possible. In an online discussion, here are ten experiences people shared that have hardened them as a person.
1. Working as an EMT
Working as an EMT can be a challenging and emotionally draining job. Witnessing trauma, death, and injury can take a toll on a person's mental health. “Gosh, working in the back of an ambulance, you see so many terrible things,” one EMT remarked.
2. Witnessing an Accident
Witnessing an accident is one of the most traumatic experiences that can harden a person. “Delivering ineffectual first aid to an 8-year-old girl who had been crushed against a store wall by a drunk /drugged up driver,” commented one man.
3. Parental Neglect
Growing up with parents who were emotionally or physically absent can have a profound impact on a person. “My mum telling me she wouldn't and couldn't ever love me because I'm too much like my dad was a kicker,” one woman added.
4. Partner's Suicide
“When my girlfriend committed suicide,” said one young man. Losing someone you love to suicide is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. The constant questions of “why” and “what if” can consume a person's thoughts.
5. Abusive Parents
Growing up with abusive parents can leave a person with deep emotional scars and trauma. The cycle of abuse can continue for generations unless someone breaks the cycle. “Having unsympathetic/emotionally abusive parents. I learned over the years that my family doesn't care about me unless I act a certain way for them,” remarked one woman.
6. Prison
Being incarcerated can be a life-changing experience. The loss of freedom and the constant fear of violence can harden a person's soul. “Prison is rough. Not the worst experience of my life, but it definitely changed me,” someone chimed in.
7. Unfaithful Partner
Discovering that your partner has been unfaithful can be a devastating experience. The feelings of betrayal, anger, and hurt can linger for years. “Getting cheated on when our son was a newborn and I was going through a cancer scare. Then my husband killed himself when I found out,” said one woman.
8. Leaving an Abusive Relationship
Leaving an abusive relationship can be one of the most courageous things a person can do. Breaking the chains of abuse and finding the strength to move on can be an empowering experience. “When I left my abusive wife, after asking friends for help for years, not one friend stood by me,” commented one man.
9. Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse can have lifelong impacts on a person's mental and emotional well-being. The pain of the past can linger for years and affect relationships and daily life. “My grandmother “rented” my sister and I out to drug dealers for drugs when we were kids. She still haunts my dreams,” one woman recalled.
10. Parent's Death
Losing a parent is never easy. The pain of losing someone who has been a constant in your life can be overwhelming. “My father died suddenly in my senior year of high school,” said one anonymous person. “Same. Changed the whole course of my life,” a woman replied.
This post was inspired by this thread.
She started her blog, The Money Dreamer, when she realized the 9-5 job was not the lifestyle she wanted anymore. After designing for a while, she wanted a more meaningful life, which was freedom, so she decided to venture out. She took action so that she can live her dream life and decided to help people to live theirs by helping them how to save, budget, and invest.
