You come to realize in life that the harder you struggle for something or to be a certain way, the more you know that you really want it. The past couple years have been really hard at times - excruciating in moments, where I've been completely broken & just overwhelmed. In all of that time though the thing that I was struggling for was just to be more of the woman I know God wants me to be. Struggling to be more "righteous," to live in purity & so much else, just so many other things. I just wanted to be more like Christ.
I'm looking back now & through all of the difficulty & stress, pushing & stretching I realize that I was getting it right the entire time. I didn't give up. I allowed Him to grow me no matter the cost, struggle or temporary pain. I struggled so much, but you know what that tells me? That I really wanted it. I really want a heart that is seeking to follow after Him.
And that is encouraging today. And I pray that He keeps on growing me & that I continue to allow Him to also. 
A happy heart is one that finds itself delighting in the Lord!