Don't apologize. I'm charmed, too!

Re suffering - an issue I have pondered for years and years and years, and not only because I battle depression. Here's as far as I've gotten: when shit happens, I ask myself, "what can I learn from this?" Which echoes you in a way, if I understood you correctly:

what are you going to do with it? Deciding that might open up a whole world.

I've also decided that suffering teaches empathy for others. Sort of like some kale salad recipes call for you to 'massage' the kale so it 'softens,' accepts the marinade. Ditto for our hearts - except I will grant you most suffering sure as hell does NOT feel like a massage! But think of the kind of massage that hurts, when you feel pummeled. These pummelings enable us to better 'blend' in a dressing of compassion w/ others.

Okay enough from me: yet again, I'm pondering for myself, not to yack on like some insufferable suffering expert.