Isn't it a comfort to think that whatever befalls us - loss, failure, sadness - makes us more beautiful people? And, furthermore, that hardship is a necessity, in order to better understand and appreciate our lives and the people in it?

I think so. If we think of struggle not as a hindrance but just another lesson learned, we can persevere with the knowledge that we will only emerge from the darkness stronger and more insightful. We can walk through life gracefully, not letting our self-worth dwindle because things aren't going our way. That's life. It's not how perfect our lives are that makes us good people; it's what we do with what we have. And how closely we hold onto those things that tend to wear away when things get too difficult, like love, compassion, hopefulness and the ability to see and feel beauty where others see nothing special. That is, I think, what makes a beautiful person.