Learn to self-conquest, persevere thus for a time, and you will perceive very clearly the advantage which you gain from it.

However much we do to avoid them, we shall never lack crosses in this life if we are in the ranks of the Crucified.

Be happy when you are blamed and accused wrongly, for then you have the chance to see all the bitter, hostile or self-pitying responses that your sinful soul wants to spew out - as if these puny things could in any way defend you! Watch and see if any of these poisons come out of you when your spirit is pricked by an accusation. Only then can you see yourself as you are, and confess thy sin that is within you and forsake yourself again into the Lord's care.

Don't let your sins turn into bad habits.

Every part of the journey is of importance to the whole.

My good works, however wretched and imperfect, have been made better and perfected by Him Who is my Lord: He has rendered them meritorious. As to my evil deeds and my sins, He hid them at once. The eyes of those who saw them, He made even blind; and He has blotted them out of their memory.

That is how His Majesty [the Lord] rewards our good works---I mean, by predisposing us to perform better ones.