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 Moments That Inspire Us to Choose Kindness, Even When It Costs Us Everything

People
03/18/2026
10 Acts of Kindness From Strangers That Prove Compassion Still Exists

People
03/16/2026
10 Acts of Kindness That Prove Compassion and Empathy Can Quietly Change the World

People
03/12/2026
12 Acts of Kindness That Show the Power of Empathy and Compassion

People
03/14/2026
11 Stories That Show Small Acts of Humanity Bring Hope and Happiness to Lonely Hearts

Curiosities
05/20/2026
15 Funny Stories Where Kindness and Humor Broke the Tension Better Than Any Apology

People
05/13/2026
15 Sledgehammer Moments That Cracked Open Walls and Rewrote Family History

Home
04/16/2026
15 Powerful Moments That Prove Happiness Can Surprise Us, Even When Everything Falls Apart

People
04/30/2026
10 Times Patients Left the Doctor’s Office With a Wild Story

Curiosities
05/09/2026
10 Workplace Moments Where Kindness Quietly Turned Office Chaos Into a Small Haven

People
05/15/2026
Her Injured Stepson Begged Her for Help, Then She Learned an Awful Truth

Family & kids
05/16/2026
13 Acts of Humanity That Brought Light to the Darkest Moments

People
03/15/2026



















