Was there ever a bad time in your life that you later look upon with nostalgia?

About three years ago I was laid off from my airline job and forced to work for a small commuter airline for DRASTICALLY lower pay. I spent two years of my life barely scraping by, living in a hotel room with several other employees. Going from a decent 75k a year job to 17k took a huge adjustment and did put me into some debt. However, it also forced me to learn to live frugally. I finally landed a great job and my career is back on track. Although at the time I looked upon my situation with disgust and almost shame, today I view it as a tremendous learning experience and a time when I really showed personal growth. Not being able to satisfy my creature comforts with retail therapy I was forced to look inward for fulfillment. I started running every day, got in great physical shape. I made a few lifelong friends at the company that were also in the same position. I learned how strong I could be.

What’s ironic is that I sometimes miss that period in my life because I felt like I really learned who I was then.

Does anyone else have a similar story or can relate to my experience? If so, I’d like to hear it.