When adversity comes, take it as an opportunity to grow. See it as a blessing happening for you, not a punishment that is happening to you.

I believe that adversity is soul-forming. Yes, uncomfortable, sometimes even unbearable, but it changes you if you respond well. Adversity is the overwhelming heat that softens the metal, your soul, for you, the blacksmith, to forge well. Strike it, turn it over and strike it again and again, form it while the heat is still radiating unbearably. It is a tedious job but if you take the opportunity to shape your soul, it will all be worth it when you’ve done it well. You cannot simply run around, let the metal cool down or douse it in cold water; if you do, you’ll be the same old metal, unformed, that you once were. You may be aware of the change that you could have been better but you’ve already let the moment pass by; you’ve missed the chance to transform your soul into a majestic sword, ready to aid you in bigger battles that you’ll be facing further down the road.

The best friends you believe that are there would simply give you the water to douse the heat and you’ll be thankful. Your better than best friends would hand you the mallet and the prongs, urge you to form your soul before you let your soul set. Don’t be fooled that the latter friends just wanted you to suffer; you’ll be lucky to have them.