Character includes the quality, features, and traits of one's personality. These traits are the ability to be honest, humble, helpful, and spiritual. They include motivation to do positive things, and willing to come to the aid and support of others. Advice and comfort for a friend in need is beneficial to our own soul, as well as the person we are helping. When misfortune makes it's way into our own lives, there are two ways to handle it. One is to make the best of our circumstances, and to try and make them better. The other is to get so bogged down by the problem at hand, that we slip into a state of depression and grief, and do nothing to help our situation.
Although understandable, nothing good can come from this choice. Life still goes on around you, things still need to get done, and it's not beneficial for your mind or body. Keeping busy with positive things always helps lift our spirits. Planting a garden, weeding, swinging on your porch swing, playing with your dog on the front lawn (shoes aren't allowed) talking with your kids, calling relatives, writing, reading, picking flowers, taking a walk, resting when you need to, are all positive ways of building your character, and strengthening your resolve. Without misfortune, you might forget about all the natural things you can do to feel better and strengthen your spirit.
When all is going well, we tend to forget about all the choices we have to enlighten us and make our time more enjoyable. Misfortune forces us to use our minds to figure out what we can do to feel better. I have let depression engulf me in my life, and I won't do that again. I had to find ways to lift my mood, and deal with unpleasantness, and thankfully, I have. Situations still worry me at times, but not to the extent of breaking my spirit. Life is too short to spend it worrying about things, and other people, and family, and the World. I need to take care of myself, and once I have, I can help others.
If misfortune hasn't brought you to the depths of Hell, you won't know how to avoid a break down when something negative and hurtful happens in your life. However, if you have been to the dark side of your soul, and you have survived, you can handle situations that come your way in a much calmer, more peaceful way. If you have felt alone and confused and empty, and survived, you can come up with ways to cope with those feelings should they reappear. God is always in our corner, and can be reached quite easily, and it isn't even a toll call. Sometimes, a good, healthy cry and an honest talk with God can do wonders.
In many cases, it's necessary to reach the bottom, and know what it feels like, so we can appreciate more what we do have, and what God has provided for us. Distress and grief must be felt in order for us to know we don't want to feel that way again, and we may have to change certain characteristics of ourselves to ensure that doesn't happen again. Sometimes, it can't be helped, as in the death of a loved one, or a disagreement with a friend or family member. However, the ways we deal with that misery and hardship can be used in our favor, if we have gone through those feelings before, and have learned to keep ourselves balanced. Prayer is an essential part of the healing process. I pray to God first, but I include Jesus, Mary, angels, and spirits who have passed on.
I sit outside and just watch nature carrying on as if nothing is happening to my soul. And yet, maybe the rabbits and chipmunks and birds and toads that I watch, are surrounding me because they know exactly what has happened to my soul, and are there to help ease the pain and confusion. Therein lies the balance. Life is filled with problems and negative situations, and painful happenings, and confusion, frustration, and doubt. We need to be strong to get through in one piece. It takes work, mind control, research, Faith, and determination to make a difference that will make us feel better. Yes, misfortune not only builds character, but it helps us use the traits of that character to survive in a more peaceful and calm existence. We will need that character when situations arise that we must deal with and go through. It's better to deal with an open heart, a focused mind, God on our shoulder, and the strength of our character.
  
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