The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift, for all that it is painfully won, and it has been worth more than any qualification I ever earned.
I believe in being kind to others, but I also believe in standing up for myself.
I used to walk down the street like I was a star... I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be - and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth.