What experiences in life helped you grow the most?
Honestly, hardship and pain.
All of it.
It was awful. I don’t ever want to go back or repeat any of the first half of my life…
But it was poverty, years of hunger, betrayals, heartbreak, decades of depression, and escaping a world of violence that I grew the most.
If a ton of awful things hadn’t made up decades of my life, I would not have the kindness, compassion, empathy, or problem solving skills I do.
I wouldn’t have any of the personality traits I do.
I’d be softer, more content, have less depth of feeling. I wouldn’t be able to relate to so many people I’ve met across the globe and all walks of life.
I never would’ve learned to fight for what mattered, use my voice as a powerful weapon, or reached for things others insisted were impossible.
Can’t even fathom what I’d be like without my background.
I don’t think I’d like her.
(Then again, I don’t really like my younger self who was stuck in a reactionary loop either when I look back through memories.)
I had to fight for who I became. Hard.
It was horrible. It was painful.
I wouldn’t trade that path for the world. But I wouldn’t volunteer to do it again. I hope the second half of my life is kinder, full of more joy and love and personal achievements.
Mischa Fox 
Leave a reply to Darryl B Cancel reply