We all heard that going through trials makes us stronger after the initial sting has faded into our consciousness. In order to handle difficulties we need to go through tough times. This builds character, boldness, and allows us to help others. When you can’t reach the other side, we feel depleted needing respite for our souls.

Author Napoleon Hill said there is a seed in every trial or challenge. “Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit.” Until we see the benefits, the pain seems futile. There is a greater advantage physically of tough seasons. Science is showing that taking on challenges stimulates cell growth in the brain. This helps us cope, and build resilience. People often reach out to social networks to help them during adversity. With this help, become stronger. “Resilience training can help people deal effectively with chronic disease and improve their quality of life,” Dr. Dennis Charney, a psychiatrist, said in an interview with Time. “It helps people cope.”

How do we cope when our worlds are crashing down? We need to acknowledge our feelings, and let go of our control. Look for ways to better yourself and others. Change the mindset by looking at it from another angle. For example, if you have to move away and you don’t want to, look at it as a new beginning, or fresh start.

Running away from the pain will allow it to escalate like anger, outbursts, and mood swings. Find someone to talk to about these feelings to gain another perspective. There is no rush in the healing process. It’s a time for growth, Psych Central’s Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. shared.

“Hardships are opportunities for growth and learning. They deepen our understandings of ourselves, others, and the world around us. There are hidden blessings that come with virtually every hardship, such as strength, wisdom, empathy or openness to a deeper spiritual awareness.”

No matter where you are in the process, there is no easy way to get away from challenges, and hard times. We can agree on that, it’s part of life.  I don’t know if they make us better people, but they make us stronger. What about you? What do you think? Do you think hard times make us better?

-C. Gatti