Adversity...

Diamonds are one of the rarest and most sought after materials occurring naturally on our planet. Yet they are made of the same carbon atoms that your graphite pencil lead is made. The only difference is in the struggles that it has endured. For a diamond to be manifested, these carbon compounds must be buried over a hundred miles beneath the Earth's surface with the pressure of this massive burial weighing down on it. Not only that, but the temperature must be at about 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 billion years! This is hell. Through this hell and with the help of one last adversity, being a deep volcanic eruption, the diamond surfaces.

This picture paints the perfect example to why adversity is a necessity. Once you realize that your struggles and tragedies are undoubtedly, unavoidably, and inescapably essential to your rise, you will never fall into a victim mentality. It is all a beautiful serenade of ups and downs in our luck. We so desperately need the difficulties, catastrophes, burdens and blows to help us manifest our diamond selves. As the Buddha would remind us, through the dirtiest water, a radiant lotus is born. Take hold of your misfortunes and juice every last bet of knowledge out of them. Hold tight to your pain like your favorite friend and hear the wisdoms it has to share. Don't blame, point fingers or sulk. Love, master, and appreciate!