We asked for your transformative struggles, and you responded in droves, with word of physical challenges, mental hurdles and meaningful moments of reckoning
Life-altering moments
“I confronted my childhood abuser and tormentor. It was an absolutely awful few minutes. But I cut that person out of my life and cut off all contact. I finally was able to get some peace in my life and know that I confronted my own personal terrorist: I can do anything.” – Kim, Wisconsin, US
“I gave birth to my son in an incredible home birth. I had no chemical pain relief – just a pool and the lovely oxytocin from my birth team. It was an insanely diffcult but empowering thing. I felt connected to my soul, my baby’s soul and to all the women that have given birth before me.” – Caroline, Shropshire, England
Growing together
“Learning on the job to be a dad from the minute you bring them home from hospital to teenage exam years. I found patience I never knew I had. I learned that being a good dad is having real conversations each day to understand and support them better.” – Ed, Wiltshire, England
Beginning again
“Moving to another country all by myself has been the most challenging experience I’ve gone through. I learned what it means to push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn another culture and adapt to it. I learned everybody deserves kindness and a bit of love, even if we don’t know them.” – Alfredo, Spain
“Walking away from the life I thought I was supposed to live. Telling my children their parents were divorcing broke my heart, but staying would’ve broken me. I learned that courage isn’t loud, it’s quiet, personal and necessary. That moment redefined me. It taught me that endings aren’t failures – they’re turning points.” – Jonathan, Guildford, England
“I gave up a life of alcohol and drugs. I learned to live again and enjoy life, savour moments and appreciate my family again.” – John, London, England
‘Learning on the job to be a dad, I found patience I never knew I had,’ said Ed. Image: Juliane Liebermann
“Moving from London to Ireland wasn’t the seismic shift people often imagine. But joining an amateur dramatics society, The Phoenix Players, as a complete blow-in and touring theatres across the country while holding down a full-time job? Now that was a challenge. Finding the energy to rehearse, travel and perform took everything I had, but in return, I gained lifelong friendships, a renewed sense of self-worth, and some of the best craic I’ve ever had.” – Richard, County Sligo, Ireland
Coping with change
“Dealing with my father’s sudden death from a rare form of leukaemia. The breakthrough: digging deep, doing everything you know you should to help you manage the feelings and the shock. Bringing awareness and gratitude to family members around you going through the same thing, steering head-on into feeling all the emotions you should. The process, although painful, becomes more natural.” – Mateo, Bristol, England
“I was diagnosed with two disabilities, one a learning disability. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself: my brain is just wired differently it’s not broken.” – Grace, London, England
‘I gave up a life of alcohol and drugs. I learned to live again and enjoy life,’ said John. Image: Matheus Ferrero
Tests of strength
“Running 100 marathons in 100 days across India. It’s physically and emotionally intense, but it’s taught me that belief is built step by step. I’ve learned that real change doesn’t come from waiting, it comes from moving forward even when it feels impossible.” – Hannah, Manchester, England
“I ran 228 miles from my home to London to take part in the London marathon. In total, I ran 255 miles in one week. It helped confirm that everyone’s body and mind is capable of more than what they might think. I did the challenge for charity. The generosity and kind comments from complete strangers was quite overwhelming.” – Alex, Macclesfeld, England
Purpose under pressure
“Establishing a cross-channel sailing ferry service, which Positive News has been kind enough to report on.” – Andrew, Switzerland
‘Going to therapy forced me to address things I didn’t even know were issues,’ said Sarah. Image: Emma Simpson
“At the age of 66 and with a brain injury disability, developing a prototype of a product from scratch without the skills, background or know how. I continuously doubt myself, but I believe that what I’m working on would help quite a few people. So, here I am, still trying despite health and life challenges, but it’s becoming more and more real.” – Anette, Bournemouth, England
Facing fears
“Going to therapy: it opened up a can of worms, which forced me to address things I didn’t even know were issues. I’m still on this very tricky journey but I’m already reaping the benefits.” – Sarah, Lincolnshire, England
“I used to struggle with speech articulation, and it deeply embarrassed me. As a kid, I saw specialists, but it never really worked. At 27, I gave it another try, and this time, I improved. What surprised me most? No one ever commented on the change. I realised that people aren’t focused on our flaws like we think. That was a powerful lesson in self-awareness.” – Josef, Czech Republic
Main image: Vuk Saric
