Korra had been a prodigy Avatar, given she'd realized who she was at age four—mastering all the elements except for Air before reaching adulthood. She'd also learned healing and metalbending. Now she wanted to know how to do the firebending technique of combustion. Too bad she didn't have someone to teach her.
But again, given her prodigy abilities? She was confident she could master it without a problem. For several days she tried to learn it. Her efforts blew up in her face. Exactly what happened when Zuko tried to learn lightning. The same results were happening to Korra. Her attempts were hindered even more because some stranger kept trying to get her attention.
Finally, after weeks of trying, plus being pestered by this stranger, she gave up. However, she did ask what the stranger wanted so badly from her. The stranger explained they were transgender. They hoped she could somehow change them to the correct gender. This left the young woman stunned.
How in the world was the Avatar supposed to change a person's gender? Still, she felt she needed to try. So she meditated to enter the Spirit World. Hopefully, she'd find a spirit who could grant the stranger's request.
Oddly enough, one spirit answered they could do that. So channeling the spirit, Korra was able to help the person change genders. They thanked her for her help then went on their merry way. Korra sighed, thinking she didn't master combustion. But she at least helped someone out. So that was nice as well.
Smiling Helps
When you feel like it, smile, even a tiny one makes a big difference. This is because you're not smiling to pretend to be happy; instead, because it's difficult to be unhappy and smile at the same time.
Smiling is simply showing yourself a bit of grace during the hard times. It doesn't mask your feelings. It instead lightens the weight of whatever you're carrying.
A smile offers temporary relief. It's a gift that you can give yourself at any moment.