“The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter.” -Unknown

Everyone goes through hard times. Often it happens unexpectedly. You think you’re doing everything right–that you’ve made smart decisions–until suddenly your world gets shaken.

You lose your job. Or miss an opportunity. Or make a mistake. Or hurt someone you love. There are a million and one things that could cause you to feel hurt, disappointed, frustrated, worried, or scared.

But they can also make you feel determined: Determined to learn and get smarter with each lesson. Determined to grow and get stronger with each struggle. Determined to keep going when it feels safer to pull back into a space where you feel less vulnerable.

If you face an obstacle today or this weekend, remember: its an opportunity to improve if only you choose to seize it.