How many times have you faced challenges that, in retrospect, handed you the keys to the greatest gift of all: understanding yourself? For it's easy to be kind, positive, compassionate and centered when everything is flowing along nicely, isn't it? But it's the challenges in life that really show us our own strengths and limitations.
As much as difficult trials can be painful, they are also great teachers.
So, be kind and patient with yourself, as you also aim to be kind and patient with others. We're all on the journey. Know thyself - therein lies true magic.