What strengths of character have I earned from the hardest times in my life?

I find the use of the word “earned” to be significant in this question with its similarity to the word “learned”. Once I have experienced challenges and look back, I can see what I have earned and if I then incorporate this into my life, I have learned a new way of handling the hard times to come. And come they will! For much of my life my default setting in the face of hardship was self-pity for not having what I wanted or having too much of what I didn’t want. It led to depression.Each new life challenge will have different circumstances and will require a different strength and if I don’t already have it, I will have to learn it. But to learn anything I have to practice.The Dalai Lama said “If you lose, don’t lose the lesson”, today’s quote says “When the waves close over me, I dive down to fish for pearls” or, in more popular culture terms, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade”.Today, as the result of hard times, I have gratefulness, wisdom, empathy, perseverance and other strengths of character, but there are times I still have to work hard at using the tools to practice them and increase my strength. Diving for pearls!
And the most useful tool is self-reflection. As was inscribed on the Temple of Apollo – Know Thyself! I have the willingness to examine my thoughts, feelings and behaviour, admit my mistakes and make amends where possible and appropriate.