Seneca compared the good person to a soldier who actually wants a real test, since untried strength is only a guess. He didn't wish hardship on anyone, but he saw that we don't know what we're capable of until something asks it of us. The strain you're under isn't proof you're failing. Often it's the very thing growing the muscle you'll lean on later. This isn't telling you to enjoy the difficulty or to push past your limits without rest. It's a reminder that endurance is built, not given, and that what you're carrying now is teaching your hands to carry. You're steadier than the strain makes you feel.

Inspired by the old idea of voluntary discomfort. Written by Ugo Charles.