What was the turning point in your life that made you choose resilience over defeat?

The life-changing moment of choosing resilience was during a critical financial quarter. Falling revenues made the atmosphere tense and I felt the heavy weight of uncertainty. Walking into the office one day, I saw a sticky-note on a desk with a quote 'Tough times never last, tough people do'. It was an anonymous little piece of hope that reminded me of the bigger picture. This wisdom from within our own ranks made me realize that resilience was not just a personal choice, but a corporate culture we had to nurture - choosing success, no matter how hard the struggle.

In my opinion, my turning point was when the day that my parents found out that I was Autistic. My parents could have given up on me and set limits on me because I am autistic. They could have given in to the data and listened to all the experts who told my parents I would not be able to be independent. Someone would have to cook, clean, drive me places, shop for me, etc. Instead, they did the opposite they didn't treat me differently. My brother treated me like any brother would. We both got on each other nerves when we were growing up. My aunts, uncles, and cousins never treated me differently. Everyone knew that I learned differently but no one told me. The reason why no one told me is because they accepted me for who I am. They didn't look at me like I had a problem like some of the experts did. As an adult with Autism I can cook, clean, drive myself places, and shop. I even run my own business. The reason why I share this with the world is because you don't have to let the data to define who you are! One of my colleagues asked me if I thought it was a bad thing that my parents, brother, aunts, and uncles kept my Autism powers from me? I said to him that when I was growing up I was immature and couldn't comprehend what that would entail when I was 10 years old. I am glad everyone let me found out for myself. I wouldn't know how I would react if they told me at 10 years old. My parents didn't limit me to certain things because I am autistic. They let me enroll in karate, piano lessons, camp, golf, etc. If I wanted to try something my parents let my brother and I to try it. As long as it was safe and in reason of course. I honestly don't think I would be the person who I am today if my parents limited me to certain things because I am Autistic.