:salam2: brother
I will make dua for you!
How wonderful all the responses. The religion of Islam establishes for us such a positive mindframe which helps us to interpret things that may befall us in life and keep us guided on the Straight Path.
It is good to remember the narration of the prophet, peace and blessings upon him: “How amazing is the case of the believer; there is good for him in everything, and this characteristic is exclusively for him alone. If he experiences something pleasant, he is thankful, and that is good for him; and if he comes across some diversity, he is patient, and that is good for him.” [Muslim]
Of course it is normal to experience pain, sadness, disappointment, etc at various points in our lives. But it is important not to allow oneself to dwell in this state for very long. Allah bestows so many blessings upon us. When we stay cognizant of these blessings it is difficult to be any other than a grateful servant. Truly, it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find rest.
The purpose of the medicine of patience is not intended to help one to endure a completely miserable existance from beginning to end. On the contrary, when one endures apparent misforture patiently, one finds that there comes a time that the misfortune is lifted and replaced by happiness, joy and relief. It is true that good things come to those who wait!
In the midst of a long spell of gray skies and rain one might come to imagine that is all life is about. But sure enough, one day those skies will brighten and rainbows appear! But one needs to endure and stay alert to the blessings as they arrive in order to appreciate this. No condition during this life in the world is permanent, everything is temporary and changing. The greater the extent for one to endure discomfort and sorrow the greater the capacity to experience the corresponding happiness and joy.
As Aapa has explained, once you have conditioned yourself to this reality it becomes so much easier to recognize the bumps in the path as you come upon them and not become derailed by them. They will be more like a blip in the radar screen.
The more and more you embrace and walk upon the Straight Path of Islam the less the activities taking place in the rest of the dunya will be appealing. Truly, there is no greater satisfaction in life than walking in the light of Allah, encountering the mercy, forgiveness, and blessings of Allah. And while it may at times be a solitary road to tread, it is so amazing when you meet others who are on the same path.
Recall when the prophet, peace be upon him, said to his Uncle: "By Allah. If they place the sun in my right hand and the moon on my left asking me to give up, I shall not do it until either Allah gives it victory or I die in its cause." Consider all of the suffering and personal losses Muhammad sustained during his prophethood. But Alhamdulilah he patiently endured and in the end was victorious. Imagine if he had decided to give up at any point! But no - he saw it through to the very end and the result was tremendous success that can only be bestowed by Allah the Most High.
Sorry for such a long response but I was really inspired by what has been shared here.
Best wishes to everyone. Never give up until you reach the end and may Allah have mercy on us all.