I’ve recently had a conversation with a friend, reflecting on the loss and sadness and the despair it causes in us. It was quite a deep and meaningful topic to me as I have recently recovered from depression that was caused by deep personal loss, as well as simultaneous problems professionally.

The topic was the benefit of experiencing sadness. It sounds rather absurd as sadness and gloom is something we all wish to avoid – and personally I don’t wish to go through it again – but during those dark times I was able to ponder and think deeply about things I would never do when I am happy and all is sunshine in life.

I was able to be honest with myself and feel things I normally do not. Being able to see life in a different perspective and in some ways a more authentic view made me into a deeper person because of it. Sadness and despair are part of life. But we can use those opportunities to bring out in us the sweetness and beauty that would only come from these trying, difficult times.

I’ve read somewhere that experiencing hardships in life is like crushing a flower in order to release and create a wonderful perfume – so long as we don’t let the experience ruin us but we use it to strengthen us to be a wiser, more deeper version of ourselves.

As C. S. Lewis said,

Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.

Even in nature, a rainbow only exists because of the rain. The darkness may seem to never end and at times it really is difficult to see even the faintest speck of light. But hold on, use these moments to look deep within yourself and discover the hidden strength you never knew you had. The strength to be weak and humble. This will cause you to better connect with others and with life itself.

And never be afraid to reach out to a friend and have those deep conversations that you may not normally have. Discover a deeper, newer, and better you.