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
16 Acts of Kindness That Teach Us Why Compassion Still Hides Inside the Things We Give Away

People
09/03/2026
10 Nanny Stories That Teach Us Compassion Can Turn an Everyday Job Into a Meaningful Connection

Family & kids
09/16/2026
10 Moments When Empathy, Discipline, and Kindness Showed What Humanity Is Capable Of

People
09/11/2026
10 Family Stories of Loved Ones Who Brought Soup, Drove for Years and Gave Up Their Room

Family & kids
09/28/2026
15 Real Moments of Compassion That Prove a Simple Acts of Kindness Still Guides Heavy Heart Back to Happiness

People
09/03/2026
12 Stories About Dads Who Showed Up, Grandparents Who Learned Sign Language, and Other Unexpected Acts of Love

Family & kids
10/02/2026
10 Workplace Moments That Prove Kindness and Empathy Turn Bosses Into Real Leaders

People
09/09/2026
10 Moments of Kindness and Discipline That Prove Empathy and Love Take Strength but Leave the Biggest Impact

People
09/28/2026
20 Stories of Strangers Whose Kindness Arrived Before Anyone Could Ask for It

People
10/05/2026
13 Acts of Compassion That Inspire Us to Always Choose Kindness and Generosity, Even If Life Turns Cold

People
09/20/2026
10 Acts of Love and Kindness That Can Make the World Feel a Little Brighter

People
09/09/2026
10 Moments That Teach Us a Little Kindness Can Break Through Loneliness and Rekindle Hope

People
09/24/2026



















