Dandelion Children Grow up to be Hustlers

Against all odds.

By any means necessary.

We've all heard these phrases. So simple yet so complex. Why? Because we've heard these things from people who's lives have been truly defined by these statements. They didn't just say words that sounded good, they actually felt what they said. You know, the people who grew up in poverty, abuse or homelessness that end up being independent business owners, and those of great financial success? The people who seem to have a passion beyond measure, and when they speak, sing or write about their struggles, you are enthralled  because you can almost feel that there is a deeper purpose behind them sharing their story? These are the DANDELION CHILDREN .

These are the people who have a mental, emotional and often physical connection to their passion. They are fueled by something that was wrongly done to or against them, and they take it on as their responsibility to impact others also victimized. This can be done by means of inspiration, motivation, or by physical means. These people feel it necessary to take back power from the wrong-doers and keep it for themselves and others as determined as they are. They do not give it freely, they fight to take it and inspire others to do the same. They use their lives to lead, and choose their words carefully.

Entrepreneurs.

Hustlers.

Go-Getters.

People you want on your team.

With my personal background, I often have people shocked at the level of success I have achieved despite past circumstances. Maybe I should be flattered, but mostly I continue to look at the present and future, and less at the past. It's as if the struggles of the past no longer matter because I am a new person. When you experience much struggle, you appreciate the littlest amount of success. Some psychologists call this the "dandelion" affect. A dandelion can grow and flourish even in conditions where other plants cannot. Dandelions can sustain and grow themselves without much need for nourishment. 

Are you a dandelion? Can you regrow into a new form even when you got blown around? Listed are the 7 Key Skills to Resiliency as noted in  the bookThe Resilient Self by Steven and Sybil Wolin (paraphrased).

7 Key Skills to Resiliency 

1) Insight: The ability to ask tough questions of yourself & be honest with your answers.

2) Independent: Counts only on themselves to bounce back into life.

3) Tied to Others: The more people you are responsible to, the

4) Initiative : Take charge of the problem. Do whatever is necessary to get out of it.

5) Creative: Being able to look at the situation and creatively determine the best way out.

6) Sense of Humor: They may cry until they start laughing. You have to be able to laugh at yourself.

7) Morality: Whatever you do to bounce back, you need to make sure it's moral. Your success needs to be at the service of others; not the expense.

"A resilient person won't give up" - Jim Rohn