Quote for the Quest

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."
--- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I came across the above quote today and WOW! If that's true (and I believe it is) then I am beautiful! Ha! I knew it! But really, I think we have all known people like this. And I know that I have an appreciation, sensitivity, (but perhaps not a ton of understanding?) that have definitely filled me with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern towards others. And its mostly because of all the pain and trials I've been through. Especially the depression. And even though in today's society we're generally not supposed to "toot our own horns" or brag and boast about our accomplishments... by golly I WILL DO IT! Because I've been through some tough stuff at a young age. But I've come to realize everyone is going through really hard things. And that's why we can't judge others. One thing I learned from my trials is that I'm supposed to help others because of my experiences and what I've learned from them. Another quote that I love about that is from Dallin H. Oaks. "When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life... We are meant to learn and grow through opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same... the Lord will not only consecrate our afflictions for our gain, but He will use them to bless the lives of countless others."
We have to realize that no hard thing we go through is for naught. There is a reason the Lord allows suffering. I especially loved the talks from this past General Conference that mentioned pain and suffering and why we must go through trials. BECAUSE THAT IS THE WAY WE LEARN AND GROW! And if that makes us beautiful, then we can all be beautiful. We all already are beautiful because we are God's children.
I've also learned that most of the time (at least in my case) I wasn't suffering because I did something wrong. I wasn't being punished by God. (Believe me depression definitely feels that way!) I was hurt by my ex-husband. But I am actually really really really grateful for him. Because of him I learned that I am courageous and I will never turn away from the Lord even when my life seems like it's over. I also became such a better person because of what he put me through. So even though he tried to make me unhappy like himself (which, let's face it, I was for a long time) in the end I am happier and better off. So, thank you Tyler for helping me to be a more beautiful person!
So after going through all my trials and suffering I can no longer see someone else suffer and do nothing. I feel so much love and empathy and compassion towards others even people I don't know. And I will do my best to love and help everyone I come across. I am so grateful for the refiner's fire that have melted me down and molded me into something infinitely more beautiful.

And that's what I've been learning in my quest for beauty.
Also....