Each of us has qualities that we can use to our advantage. If you are thinking that you don’t, stop, because you do. For those who have endured a difficult past and been cheated out of experiences that most others had, I can promise you that it has taught you some valuable lessons. As horrible as things may have been, if you are still here and reading this, you have things within you that give you an edge over those who may have been afforded the path of least resistance. Here are just a few.

Strength
You’ve developed the strength to endure and rise above your circumstances. You’ve likely had to pick up the pieces of a broken life, perhaps more than once, and find a way to keep going. Whatever you have been through did not destroy you. What that should tell you is that you can survive anything. Life is unpredictable. Trust that there is more disappointment to come but know that while it may discourage others, you’ve been here before – and you will make it to the other side.

Adaptability

Difficulty usually involves constant uncertainty. Having no stability or order in your life teaches you to adapt to changing circumstances, and quickly. Often, as soon as you’ve become acclimated to your new normal, it changes again. Eventually you get better and better at adjusting, and starting over becomes second nature. So while some have a hard time accepting and adapting to change, you’ve learned to thrive in this environment.

Resourcefulness

If you grew up poor or in unhealthy surroundings, you had to get pretty creative in order to make sure your needs were met and accomplish any goals that you may have set for yourself. You’ve had to make a way where there looked to not be one. That is an essential skill to possess, the ability to make the best of a less than ideal situation. You know how to get the most out of yourself and the means available to you. It’s making a dollar out of 15 cents. No one is more equipped to do that than you. Being resourceful is using what you have. So this is one thing that you should know with certainty that you are able to do.