Great question.
I think life has softened me, actually. I just made 42 and the first half of my life was considerably harder than the latter half (so far). I worked really hard, every minute of life was scheduled and maximized. I didn't even chill in the summer, all work (academic camps, mad homework, etc).
Otoh, my current life is one of ease. All I have to do is remain reasonably cute, cook, and clean. That's super easy and I have free time to pursue my own interests.
I went to a Catholic school that still had nuns. When I met them and found out what they do, I thought to myself, that sounds dope. They just basically read all day, teach ofc, but hey, that's not bad. I only decided against it bc I liked boys too much. But I ended up living my dream bc I can actually read all day. I have a million hobbies and a whole craft room. Things worked out SO well. Its truly a blessing.