20 People That Refused to Settle for What Life Offered Them, and They Inspire All of Us
People
02/10/2021

Science shows that there’s a real connection between the mind and body in people who are dealing with a serious health issue. People who bravely find enough will and motivation sometimes come out with unbelievable results. They may make a full recovery from clinical depression, learn to control their bodies after an amputation, lose an incredible amount of weight, and much more.
We at Bright Side think that these people are real superheroes, and we can all find some motivation from their stories.
1. Jared Wells has cystic fibrosis, but he started going to the gym and completely transformed his body.
2. “We lost 300 lb and can now share my old pants.”
3. “2.5 years on hormone replacement therapy and 7 months post-top surgery!”
4. “Finally found a mitt that fits!”
5. “3 months and 14 dentist appointments later, I’m learning to love my smile again.”
6. “January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, all in a year’s work!”
7. “My birthday last year vs this year — I’ve lost over 100 lb, accepted the real me, and found utter happiness. ”
8. “1 year ago, doctors told my brother he had liver cirrhosis, needed a transplant, and had only 6 months to live. Today, his liver is functioning and he’s 150 lb down.”
9. “My wife and I had a newborn daughter that passed away 2 years ago from trisomy 13. After 2 years of heartbreak and trying to have another, our wish finally came true.”
10. “When I was recovering from a leg amputation, my sister bought me a guitar. I have been learning and playing almost every day since.”
11. “Maintained for 2.5 years”
12. “4.5 years after being told by a team of doctors that I’d probably never move anything below my shoulders again, I finally got to take this pic.”
13. “2 years on hormone replacement and I’ve found love for myself!”
14. “100 lb lost”
15. “7 months of dental work and I can finally smile in pictures again!”
16. “1.5 years of progress”
17. “December 2015, December 2018, and December 2020”
18. “I beat heart surgery!”
19. “A few years back, I was devastated that I couldn’t ski anymore. Now I’m able to ski better than ever.”
20. “The first picture was taken at the peak of my depression. The second is a recent one after almost a year of medication and self care.”
What’s something you’ve been able to achieve despite difficult circumstances?
Comments
Get notifications
Related Reads
12 Heartwarming Stories That Prove Kindness Can Change a Life Overnight, Even in the Hardest Moments

People
07/26/2026
10 Real Moments of Compassion Teaching Us That the Strongest Heart Still Lead With Quiet Kindness

People
07/09/2026
10 Acts of Kindness Teaching Us Compassion and Wisdom Still Lead to Happiness and Self-Care in 2026

People
06/22/2026
10 Heartwarming Stories That Remind Us Doing the Right Thing Always Comes Back Around

People
06/30/2026
15 Family Moments of Compassion That Still Remind Us What Happiness Really Looks Like

Family & kids
07/07/2026
10 Moments That Teach Us Why the Harshest People Are Sometimes Hiding the Deepest Kindness

People
06/26/2026
10 Stories That Prove Humanity Can Shine Through the Darkest Moments

People
07/27/2026
13 Moments When a Child Taught Their Family What Real Kindness Actually Looks Like

Family & kids
06/26/2026
10 Moments That Remind Us to Put Kindness First, Even When It’s Easier to Walk Away

People
06/22/2026
13 Moments That Teach Us a Sibling’s Compassion Can Heal the Heaviest Hearts

Family & kids
07/19/2026
13 Hilarious Stories That Prove the Most Resourceful People Always Find a Way to Make You Smile

Curiosities
07/10/2026
12 Retail Stories That Remind Us Working With People Brings More Laughter and Human Connection Than Any Office Ever Could

Curiosities
07/09/2026



















