Novardok
R' Yitzchok Orlansky Zatzal was once walking in the street, and he tripped and almost fell; but he caught himself before he could fall. He made a remark that the falling would have been Gevaldig for him, since it's Yissurim which has tremendous Kapara value. People don't live with these thoughts, and it is a severe loss for them.
A Baal Mussar lives with Chazal, who say that every tiny inconvenience is real Yissurim and is a great Kapara. You need to thank Hashem for these ongoing tiny daily Yissurim, and then you Mamash lose your sins, and spare yourself more serious Yissurim, like a trip to the hospital, Chas V'shalom, and even from the worst Gehinom.
It is a Bracha to be forgetful, or to be delayed in traffic, or to have a person in your life who hurts you regularly. Such a person is: ֵא וֹני וֹר ֶא ְפּ ה ֵנ ֵג י ִהנוֹם not going to suffer in Gehinom, providing you always thank for those Yissurim. Those who live with Chazal, like Novardokers did, are truly happy people; especially if they learned the appropriate Mussar and they keep repeating how: ִי וּס ִר ְמ םי ַמ ְר ִקים Yissurim cleanse your soul from all your sins. The rest of the world lets everything go over their heads. They lose tons, and they live an empty life compared to the real Baalei Mussar.
There was a Rebbe in Bais Shraga of Monsey who was a Novardoker, and his name was R' Gendel Zatzal. His wife wasn't well, and he had to run the whole house himself. His house was spotless. He did everything B’simcha, like a true Novardoker who sees every part of his life to be perfect and never complains against Hashem. They say that he would learn three hours of Mussar before davening. This is the secret of success. He was also a big Talmid Chochom.
R' Yaakov Koppel Pasternak Zatzal was a Novardoker who was a Rav in Kensington. A typical fearless Novardoker, he was very smiley and friendly. He had loads of serious personal Yissurim, yet he was total Simcha, and would dance at Chasuna’s like a young Bachur.
He told me that the long hours of Limud HaMussar that he had, saved his life. He said to me: ָכּ ְז ל ַמ ֶשׁ ן ַא ָתּ ה אוֹ ֵח ַא ז ָתּ ִנ ה ָציל (a person who is drowning in the ocean, while he holds on to the raft, he’s saved). While you keep learning Mussar you'll be okay. As soon you stop, you're in trouble, Chas V'shalom. Both these people were strong personalities; nice, but not pushovers.
