Devin Jacobs
Life doesn’t hand out toughness. It carves it into you through trials that test your soul, stretch your limits, and shape you into someone who walks through fire without flinching. If you’ve faced the kinds of battles on this list, you’re not just strong—you’re made of steel. So, own that strength, or share this with someone who needs reminding they’re tougher than life gives them credit for.
You’ve Been Broke Enough To Count Coins
You’ve made dinner out of instant noodles and optimism. You became resourceful in ways money can’t buy. That kind of financial survival teaches you everything about life’s hustle, creativity, and how to turn desperation into drive.
You’ve Lost Someone You Couldn’t Imagine Living Without
Grief doesn’t come with instructions. It hits you like a freight train and leaves you breathless. You’ve felt that kind of loss—the one that rewires your soul. Somehow, you kept going, even when everything hurt. Most people never have to summon such strength.
You’ve Been Betrayed by Someone You Trusted
You let them in, and they turned out to be a plot twist with teeth. The betrayal stung, and you didn’t let it poison you. Over time, you rebuilt your boundaries, sharpened your instincts, and finally learned that loyalty is earned, not given.
You’ve Had To Start Over—More Than Once
Starting over is messy, lonely, and full of second-guessing. But you’ve done it, too—after jobs, relationships, or entire chapters collapsed. Each time, you rose from the ashes with a new plan and stronger skin. It’s not luck. It’s your relentless reinvention.
You’ve Faced Mental Health Battles Alone
You’ve stared down anxiety, depression, or something darker, and kept breathing when it felt impossible. You didn’t have a cheering squad or a manual. You just fought through the fog, one day at a time. This quiet strength is rare and real.
You’ve Been Judged For Who You Are
Whether it was your race, gender, beliefs, or just your vibe, you’ve felt the sting of judgment. Yet, you never shrank. You stood taller and more unapologetic, without conforming. As you carved your own lane, you also carved an example of how to survive with style.
You’ve Had To Forgive Someone Who Never Apologized
You gave grace where none was asked for. You let go of resentment without closure. That kind of emotional maturity isn’t soft. It’s steel wrapped in kindness. You chose peace over payback, and that makes you stronger than anyone who ever wronged you.
You’ve Survived A Toxic Workplace That Drained Your Soul
You’ve worked in places that felt more like battlefields than offices. Micromanagers, gaslighting, burnout—you’ve seen it all. But you didn’t lose yourself in the chaos. You walked away with your dignity intact and your ambition still burning. This is professional survival at its finest.
You Had To Be The Rock When Everyone Else Fell Apart
You didn’t get the luxury of falling apart. While everyone around you crumbled, you held it together quietly, fiercely, and without any applause. You carried burdens that weren’t yours and still showed up. That was your strength, holding the world steady.
You Recovered From An Injury That Changed Your Life
Pain taught you patience. Whether it was a broken bone or something deeper, you rebuilt yourself one slow, stubborn step at a time. You learned to trust your body again, even when it betrayed you. The comeback wasn’t easy, but it made you unshakable.