What did suffering teach you that success never could?

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.

Stephen Shenboyejo

Suffering taught me resilience and humility in a way success never could. When things fall apart, when projects get rejected, or when doors close, you’re forced to confront yourself and ask why you create in the first place. That struggle sharpened my vision, deepened my empathy, and reminded me that filmmaking is not just about accolades but about telling stories that matter. Read more >>>

Rondelle Martin

Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. Success is beautiful, but it can sometimes make you forget the depth of your own resilience. My seasons of suffering—whether it was navigating single motherhood, walking through personal losses, starting over after setbacks, or even making the bold leap to move abroad—taught me things that no achievement ever could. Read more >>>

Jalen Woodard

Suffering taught me more about myself than success ever could. Through difficult seasons, I discovered my true strength, discipline, and resilience. I learned patience, how to manage stress, and how to maneuver through life’s challenges in ways that shaped me into a more grounded and authentic person. Read more >>>

Tequia Lester

Suffering taught me something success never could.., that I’m stronger than I ever realized. No matter how low life took me, quitting was never an option. I had kids depending on me, and that alone kept me getting up when I felt like staying down. Suffering taught me resilience. Read more >>>

Ezy Waddell

People don’t care when you’re suffering, and especially when people don’t see your vision, you get overlooked. No one wants to get into a car that’s not moving. You can tell the people around you that you worked on the transmission yesterday, and I’m on the engine now — just finished the engine, and now I’m rebuilding the alternator. Read more >>>

Thakkar Juronica

Imagine standing at the edge of a precipice, looking down into the depths of despair. That was my reality for years as a survivor of domestic violence. I endured unimaginable suffering—physical wounds, emotional scars, and a broken spirit. However, as I reflect on my journey, I recognize that my pain, while significant, pales in comparison to the atrocities faced by countless others around the world. Read more >>>

India Starke

Suffering taught me patience in a way success never could. Success feels bright and validating—it tells you that the work was worth it. But suffering strips everything down. It shows you who you are without applause, without recognition, without the certainty of what comes next. Read more >>>

Daisy Cuellar

Experiencing suffering has deepened my empathy and helped me understand others better, while also instilling in me the awareness not to let anyone take advantage of me. Read more >>>