Would you feel like you'd still like to be president after you have just been liberated from six years of captivity? Ingrid Betancourt, dual citizen of France and Colombia, bravely said she wished to pursue the presidency when she was set free after a spectacular military operation in the jungles of Colombia.

What has kept this leader alive and hopeful in spite of being kidnapped, mistreated, tortured, ignored, and constantly frustrated by having no control over her life? The ability of self-motivation by using the thought of others including her children, her family, and loved ones left behind may have kept her spirit alive. And yet, being unable to take care of her needs, being hungry, thirsty, sleep deprived, and ill, completely vulnerable and dependent upon her captors' desire, is the unimaginable, ultimate test that anyone could be confronted with.

As Betancourt allows others to assist her in her recovery process, improving her physical, intellectual, and emotional health, this amazing Alpha Female will have much to share with the world in the years to come. The new perspectives she will bring to her family and career, re-discovering her now grown-kids as she missed their teenage years, rejoining her husband, family, friends, and political followers will be a magnificent picture I wouldn't dare miss.

Lessons Learned:

1) Resilience is a state of mind over matter. If she can still be hopeful after her ordeal, you can too!
2) Create strong relationships, as they will keep you alive in tough times. Really!
3) Maximize your health at all times. The only one who can keep you going is YOU! Allow others to help you if you need it.