With all the focus on success it’s easy to overlook the valuable lessons we can learn from the more difficult parts of our journey. Below, you’ll find some very interesting insights from some of the most fascinating members of the community.
Elsa Victorios
Suffering has taught me lessons that success alone never could. I have faced extremely difficult moments in my life, from economic hardships when I first arrived in the United States, to losing everything in a hurricane, and even confronting a serious illness like cancer. Through all of this, I never gave up. Read more>>
Clare Abrianna
“Success is overrated, it doesn’t teach you anything.” – Bill Veeck. Suffering taught me how strong I am, sacrifice taught me how strong I am, how tough I am. Success is the result of sacrifice. When I was in ultrasound school, up at 2am-3am, studying, I’d constantly tell myself, “you’ll never regret working hard.” So, as a result, working hard is what I did. Read more>>
Grabba Ranks
It’s not about the destination, but the journey. Just because you reach a goal doesn’t make you a better person or bring you happiness. It’s the hard work you put in every day that shapes you. And that’s reflected in your art too. Read more>>
T.E.S. The Esoteric Sojourner
Having lived under Iran’s dark political system, a religious autocratic dictatorship that doesn’t resemble any other on earth, it was a great epiphany for me to witness the inconceivable bravery of Iranian citizens, especially women, rising up against four decades of gender apartheid and inhumane brutality with the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. Read more>>
Fabian Albertini
Suffering taught me what success never could: Gratitude, humility, patience, compassion. It revealed the depth of being, the cracks through which light enters. Success speaks to the world outside, but suffering opens the inner world—where transformation truly begins. Gratitude for being alive and for overcoming every obstacle, from the smallest challenges to the greatest trials. Read more>>
TANAZ SALEHI
Suffering took success and placed it exactly where it belonged. That is what suffering does. It puts everything into its rightful place. It is a magic fog that sweeps in, blinding you. You grasp for what you can, you hold on, you pray for the fog to lift, hoping that when it clears your eyes will adjust and something of your old life will remain. Read more>>
Ali Mandsourwala
Suffering taught me humility and perspective in a way success never could. Success often feels loud—celebrated, visible, and affirming. But suffering is quiet. It strips away ego, tests your patience, and forces you to sit with discomfort you can’t outwork or outsmart. Read more>>
Tayane Angely
Suffering taught me resilience in a way that success never could. It revealed to me that God was always present, even in my most painful and darkest moments, guiding me, strengthening me, and shaping my character. Those experiences gave me unshakable faith and inner strength that prepared me for the responsibilities and opportunities He would later place in my life. Read more>>
Lee Crawford
SURVIVAL. There are two worlds that exist, the privileged world and the disadvantaged. I was ironically fortunate enough to experience both ways of living. At my time of suffering, I was forced to find solutions to eat, sleep, and create income to survive. those skills can’t be taught. Read more>>
Elkin Torres
Suffering taught me that we need to value what we have versus success because success is the final product after the suffering. Read more>>
BURCHIN AYDIN
Suffering taught me humility, patience, and empathy—things success alone could never give me. When I first came to the U.S., I faced rejection, language barriers, and financial struggles. I had the skills, but I didn’t have the connections. I wasn’t seen. Read more>>
anastacia martinez
Suffering taught me something that success never could—that God is still good, even in the middle of the pain. When you’re in a season where nothing makes sense, where doors close, resources dry up, or your heart is broken—that’s when you really come face-to-face with who God is. Read more>>
