Life's getting tougher with each passing day. As much as we want and try to control the things around us, it is not an easy feat.

To keep the spirits up, I want share a quote that had been close to my heart. I can't remember the actual quote but its something similar.

天降大任于斯人也，必先苦其心志，劳其筋骨，饿其体肤，空乏其身，行指乱其所为，所以动心忍性，曾益其所不能。——《孟子》

The direct translation - Before any great task is given to an individual, that person has to go through mental hardships and endure physical pain in order to strengthen his resolve.

Things in life does not always go according to our wishes. Each one of us will face different sets of obstacles along their way (poor grades, unemployment, divorcee etc). Of course, some people may be more lucky than others but there is no merits in envy. It only serves to make us more miserable.

Instead, it is good to focus our attention on the rest of the world. There are many examples of individuals who went against the odds to succeed. Some are in more difficult situations than us but they managed to did it.

What separates the winners from the rest is their strong resolve and determination. These qualities can only be trained through periods of stress. So if life is harsh now, take it as a challenge and face it head on. It will not be easy, but what doesn't kill you just makes you stronger. If we can't even beat the problem now, how will we be able to face even bigger problems in the future?

A storm is brewing, the strawberry plant has to survive the odds without its glass cover no matter what.