Two things. One was already touched on. Don't use the same word twice as it is redundant. Second, in college we were advised to steer away from words like it, that, this, etc. Be specific.

My personal twist on it

The experience is significant in my personal growth and has gifted me the ability to know true beauty and the value of happiness. (If you are still presently having the experience)

If past tense change is to was

This post was edited by Fatal_Aquaintnc on Sep 12 2014 10:33pm