To hell and back : lives lived and the lessons we can all learn

Through case study analysis, the examples of three women (each facing a personal ‘trial by fire’) are used to analyse the path to personal self-fulfilment through self-knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, resiliency. People who overcome obstacles and handicaps in order to progress to activities that fulfil them are considered within the limitation that life has handed them. The stories of Susan, Caroline and Joyce (names have been changed) are explained and their personal achievement and individual greatness, within the concept of resiliency, is considered in light of those achievements. Their journeys are all the more important as lessons fo r the rest of us.