Overcoming Hardships... How Women Can Turn Tears to Triumph

It’s been said that women endure just as many tears as joys in life. What creates a truly fulfilling life for a woman, is her ability to turn the trials and tears to triumphs.

Right now, as America struggles in the grips of an economic crisis that touches every part of our lives and relationships, this realization is even more important. Women of all incomes and ethnicities are asked to step up and to help themselves and their loved ones overcome adversity as they meet everyday women‘s challenges as well. Whether they’re dealing with devastating job losses, dwindling nest-eggs or home foreclosures … whether they’re encountering hurtful relationships, parenting problems, health issues and even depression or addiction (that so often accompany a difficult economy) ... these women need to know they’re not alone, and that there is hope. They can and will survive and thrive, and keep their households intact while successfully doing more with less.

A great start to a triumphant life begins with hearing and heeding the inspiring stories of other women who have endured and learned to overcome hardships. We must focus on a new framework that helps women move beyond just surviving … to thriving. You’ll ultimately use your own adversities as a blueprint for future success!

Some stories of real-life women, to motivate and encourage you:

Related to Finance, and Women Rebounding from the Recession:

Sandy Sandler got through a devastating divorce and endured years of sacrifice to build a successful business, all while overcoming a chronic illness. She found fame and success by creating the “Bowdabra” bow maker. Then, in December 2008, Sandy received a call that Bernie Madoff was arrested -- meaning that various levels of her family’s investments were gone. She soon realized that the support of family became priceless. Now she’s on her way back. To whom would you turn if you suddenly had an overwhelming reversal of funds and finances?

Serving Others:

Dr. Sharron Herron, a professor at Alabama State University, asked God “why He took her baby.” She found strength through this heartbreaking loss by establishing a foundation to help families in need. Now she is helping others while finding support for her loss, and meaning for the future.

Exploring Relationships:

Yetta Young, producer of the African-American Vagina Monologues, says that when the older, bigger, stronger, man she loved started to beat her, “I believed my best option was to move quicker next time or try to guess what to do to keep him from switching to the evil mask.” By removing her own cloak of shame about being abused, she unmasked the man who hurt her. Through her Vagina Monologues productions, she unmasked the pain that other men have caused her sisters around the country. Talk about discovering inner strength you can cultivate in others!

Fighting Depression:

Millions of women suffer with various degrees of depression and anxiety every day. In her own battles with these disorders, full-time mom Rhonda Stanford finds encouragement by reminding herself that she in “not the only one.” And she watches for simple “angels” to appear: a phone call from a friend, a card in the mail, a good book to read. She advises other women to tell the truth about their condition. If you’re dealing with depression, don’t dwell on whether you’ll be judged, or categorized as damaged or crazy!

Challenges of Losing Weight:

Debbie Heyer, after being laid off from her job, wondered who would hire her when she tipped the scales at 360 pounds. She made the critical decision to reinvent herself and won the Jenny Craig Challenge. Across the world in Australia, best-selling author Annette Syms says her nickname in high school was “porky.” After years of crying on the inside, she began a new lifestyle (that included a love affair with low-fat recipes), overcame the temptations of hunger and complacency, and finally reached her slender goal weight that she's maintained for more than 14 years. These role models remind us that we all have times when we feel down and want to give up. Don’t! You can love yourself and feel healthy again.

Overcoming Odds:

Julie Woods, who went to Harvard, was molested as a child, raped, and paralyzed from the waist down. Her faith sustains her as she starts food abundance programs and teaches classes in living with empowered bliss. She calls upon her daily prayer of 13 words of empowerment: "I live well … laugh often … love much … thank Spirit … serve ALL … act NOW.”

Bouncing Back:

You might have seen baker Aliyyah Baylor on the Food Network Showdown with Bobby Flay. Not so long ago she and her baby were displaced from her apartment -- just as she was dealing with relationship troubles (as in a difficult boyfriend) and the challenges of starting a new business. “I was forced to start all over again and without missing one order, I relocated with my brand new baby, cooking mixers and baking pans to my grandmother’s tiny apartment, and never looked back. I moved on without him.” It takes courage, but you can do it, too!

Finding Your True Calling:

Shari Addison, renowned gospel artist, world traveler, and the first runner up for BET’s Sunday Best, a gospel version of American Idol, describes her journey towards accomplishing her dreams as a Christian vocalist. Her early-developed relationship with God is often tested by a series of trials such as becoming a young mother, her oldest daughter being arrested and her husband being diagnosed with diabetes. Her continued pursuits in a music career were often followed by countless competitions and recording contracts, that often turned out to be false promises. In the midst of heartbreak she once said “I heard the call but I had been there before. I had been disappointed.” Shari’s personal account is undeniably an inspirational celebration of life and constant reminder that you’re never too old to realize your dreams.

These stories illustrate how every souring relationship, financial disaster and personal struggle is a chance to test your own strengths and resourcefulness. Each story of struggle and perseverance touches the heart. Each lesson learned offers pearls of wisdom. What would you reveal in your own story? Would it be blame and shame… or determination and ultimate victory? Would you tell everyone that you have given up, or have pulled yourself up? Would you hide from the help you need, or seek it out? Would you help others on their way to recovery and success?