A life well lived is the best revenge.

Debilitating chronic depression brought on by unaddressed trauma. And surviving cancer.

Life events rub off the rough edges. Its going to continue whether we engage or not. I strongly believe we have one go round so we should grab every bit of happiness we can, even if it doesn't work, enjoy the ride and hold on for dear life. Hugs to you...you definitely are a winner xx

Death of a young wife, divorce from a second...single parenting...brain tumor...passions that failed...I don't think in terms of "stronger", but more capable of empathy with a broader swath of fellow humans...

I feel very fortunate not to have faced many things that others face, sometimes in multiples. I think a person can become stronger by watching others survive and thrive through adversity...I admire the people who made it through natural disasters, for instance, but never really experienced that hardship.

Your attitude is what makes you a winner...

For me, painful experiences are annealing, like strengthening steel with fire.

Growing up with a critical, alcoholic father taught me to be kind to others. As a parent, an important goal was to help my daughter feel loved and secure.

While hiking, successfully dealing with scary situations increases my confidence.

The worst thing for me is crossing a raging creek high on a narrow, slippery log, with sharp rocks below.

In the middle of the log, I panic, frozen and unsteady, terrified to take another step. Slowly, I drop to hands and feet - the pack on my back throwing off my balance- and crawl across like a baby bear. I have alway made it across.

It's easier on the way back because I have mentally rehearsed and know I can do it.

I always look for an easier crossing. I keep my boots waterproofed. If possible, I splash across and skip the scary log.

The second photo shows one of many Chatter Creek crossings. After heavy winter snow, Chatter Creek had massive snow runoff. May 2016.

Some credence those without trials in their life are particularly vulnerable when confronted with trouble

I don't believe in that saying.. Whatever doesn't kill me just hurts... I'm already strong enough...

I survived Child Abuse that started when a stepfather hit me in the stomach with his fist. After that, I didn't get the kind of help I needed, which is another kind of abuse.

A few years ago, I survived a systemic infection that put me in the hospital for eight weeks, damaged my kidneys a little, and made me realize death was not far away for anyone. That experience removed the fear of death and started me on the path to improving my health through diet.