hard earned 

Having proven through effort usually at a great cost that something you really want is worth suffering for.

After much longsuffering riding the bus to work, Josh saved enough money For his hard earned car.

hard earned by plancheck December 14, 2017

hard earned truth 

It's the realization of what's true, after going through tough times to get to the truth.

I found it to be a hard earned truth, only realized after going through one of lifes challenges.

hard earned truth by JulJJuesJules July 31, 2017