“I've been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape.”
— Neil Gaiman
Simplified Meaning:
When someone goes through tough times, it can feel like they're being pushed to their limits or hurt in ways that change them. Imagine a metal rod that's been bent - it's different from how it started, but it can be shaped into something useful, like a tool or a piece of art. This quote is saying that even though hard experiences can hurt and change us, these changes can make us stronger or wiser. For example, consider someone who loses their job. At first, it's really hard on them, but maybe it pushes them to learn new skills or find a job they love even more. The message here is about finding the positive outcomes from difficult experiences and believing that these changes can make us better in the end. So, when life gets tough, remember that these challenges might help you grow and become an even better version of yourself.