Adversity - HAWMC Day 21

Today's prompt is about adversity.  “The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.” – Mulan

True or false? When do you bloom best?

Ghost Orchid
The plant is so rare because it is basically impossible to propagate.  It has no leaves, does not depend on photosynthesis and does not manufacture its own food.

I believe that adversity breeds a very special, unique, and dynamic type of person.  Just like how carbon, under very high temperatures and pressure, forms into diamonds.  Only under such stressful situations does a rather inconspicuous mineral become something rare and beautiful.  I must admit that I have seen myself grow into a much stronger, wiser, and assured person through various moments of adversity in my life.  Admittedly, I cannot see me coming as far as I have as far as maturity and self-awareness had it not been for those very stressful and traumatic times.

For instance, my most recent hospitalization this past November where I had a 40% chance of surviving has caused a major amount of stress for me.  (You can read about that HERE.)  Five months later I am still maneuvering through the emotions of what happened.  What I find comfort in is knowing that it will continue to shape me into a much stronger willed individual.  I have begun to say what's on my mind more and stand more firmly and comfortably in my truth.  Being so close to death gives you a lot of perspective on what is important.  It also brings about a lot of anger because I surely did not willingly bring that experience into my life.  So I have struggled with the good and not so pleasant parts.  At the end of the day, I'm here.  I survived and it was most certainly for the better.