Sure, I am one who tries to see the silver lining when I can. I have had a ton of positive things, especially personally...but I hate that the A was a precipitator of that. I wish I could say these things without having fucked up so royally.
Positives:
1. I am way more self aware - of my behaviors, words, etc. I can see improvements that have come from that in every relationship that I have.
2. I accept others for who they are and I don't try and control their narrative or how they "should" feel.
3. I don't take things other people do personally. There were always things that hurt my feelings, or if I couldn't please someone it would throw off my feelings or day. Now, I can fully recognize people do things because of them, not because of me. They are responsible for their happiness, and I can only do what I can reasonably do.
4. I am so grateful for everything I have. I enjoy the smallest things with the greatest pleasure. I am present more than ever and I can see it's direct result on my joy.
5. I tell people no. I do things that I want to do from my heart and leave "obligation" out of it. This allows me to preserve my energy for things that matter to me - like spending time with my husband.
6. I run. I never ran before in my life. I started doing it to cope with all my overwhelming feelings. Now, its because it keeps my energy up, makes me feel great, lets me practice perseverance, gives me confidence, and I feel so healthy and balanced. I don't know if you ever watched "Brittany runs a marathon", its a comedy but it's also a good depiction on how it changed every aspect of her life. I feel that way too. And, there is something about knowing what your body is capable of that is very empowering.
7. I live authentically, which allows me to feel "seen" and it allows me to "see" others because they connect with me so much better when I am not people pleasing but being me.
8. My relationship with my husband is richer, deeper, more intimate, more connected, more intentional, more loving, more appreciative. I have learned we best experience love by giving and I get a lot of joy out of giving to him and taking care of him.
9. I have learned to talk to myself as if I am my own friend. My self-talk is encouraging, forgiving, and loving. This was a hard won accomplishment, and I still have my days. But, it creates an abundance of energy, love, and wellness that allows me to give to others, especially H.
10. I am more humble and less judgmental. I am softer, more compassionate towards others.
I could go on but those are the major ones. After a few years of crisis, the A, depression, rebuilding, etc...I can just honestly say that I do feel glad good came out of it. Again, I would take the A back if I could, but I can't. But, flowers grow in ashes, and life has to keep moving forward and we get to choose what that looks like to a certain extent or at least we get to choose how we want to exist in all of it.