More than a survivor!

Sometimes I hear other people (and myself as well) say something like “I survived!” or “I am a survivor!”.
It sounds alright on the outset. However, on second thoughts, there is an element of passivity in those statements.
Perhaps a more positive way of describing the mind-set is “rising above the tide” or “making the best out of it”.
Though easier said than done, in particular in the midst of a different situation, try to distance yourself and think out of the box to find alternatives of “better than a survivor”.