The Hidden Gift of Struggles: Finding Miracles in Adversity
“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” – Jean de La Bruyère
Life rarely unfolds as a smooth and predictable path. More often, it presents us with twists, detours, and steep climbs that test our patience, resilience, and mental well-being. Jean de La Bruyère’s timeless quote, “Out of difficulties grow miracles,” captures an important psychological truth: the very struggles we fear and resist often become the soil in which growth, strength, and transformation take root.
The human mind has an extraordinary capacity to adapt in the face of hardship. In psychology, this is often referred to as post-traumatic growth, the phenomenon where individuals not only recover from adversity but emerge stronger, with new perspectives and deeper appreciation for life. This aligns directly with La Bruyère’s insight: difficulties, rather than being dead ends, can serve as catalysts for unexpected miracles.
From a mental well-being perspective, challenges force us to confront aspects of ourselves that might otherwise remain hidden. For example, when someone faces the difficulty of job loss, the initial emotions may include fear, shame, or uncertainty. Yet, such moments often open doors to self-discovery such as new skills learned, alternative careers pursued, or creative passions reignited. The difficulty is real and painful, but the miracle lies in the emergence of resilience and possibility.
Encouragement plays a vital role in this transformative process. When people are reminded that obstacles are not solely destructive but can also be constructive, it reframes their perception. Instead of being consumed by despair, they begin to view hardships as stepping stones. Research in positive psychology shows that individuals who adopt a growth mindset, believing they can learn and evolve through difficulty report higher levels of well-being and satisfaction than those who see struggles only as setbacks.
The concept of miracles here is not about supernatural interventions but about the profound human ability to create meaning from suffering. A person who has endured depression and gradually finds healing may discover empathy and strength to support others. Someone who has gone through heartbreak may develop a deeper sense of self-worth and emotional intelligence. These outcomes are miracles in their own right because they emerge from circumstances that initially seemed hopeless.
It is also important to highlight that difficulties do not automatically lead to miracles. The transformation requires courage, perspective, and support systems. Encouragement from family, friends, or even inner self-talk becomes the bridge that carries individuals from despair to hope. By reminding ourselves and others that growth can come from pain, we fuel resilience and foster healthier mental well-being.
Moreover, history is full of examples that reinforce La Bruyère’s words. Many scientific discoveries, social reforms, and personal breakthroughs were born in times of crisis. Adversity forced innovation, creativity, and endurance. This same principle applies on an individual level our struggles, when faced with perseverance, become opportunities for renewal.
In conclusion, Jean de La Bruyère’s insight remains a powerful reminder for anyone facing life’s storms: the difficulties you encounter may feel overwhelming, but within them lies the potential for transformation. Encouragement is the key that unlocks this potential, turning wounds into wisdom and struggles into miracles. Mental well-being is not the absence of hardship, but the capacity to find meaning and growth within it.
When life presents its challenges, it is worth remembering that miracles are not always distant, dramatic events. Sometimes, they are simply the strength to rise each morning, the courage to try again, and the wisdom gained through experience. Out of difficulties, indeed, grow miracles.
Temitayo Olawunmi
Temitayo Olawunmi is a clinical psychologist in service to Arogi Trauma Care Foundation. She is solution-focused and result-driven. She has a strong passion for delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring clients satisfaction at every touchpoint.
