I wouldn't say suffering is life itself... Personally I belief life on Earth could be heavenly or hellish. I myself have suffered much (much more than you'd imagine). I've also had moments... many moments sublime--heavenly you could say. What suffering has taught me is to treasure the beautiful moments and hold loved ones dear. Also, it's taught me to love myself--be compassionate to myself as much as possible. If I truly believed life was suffering... merely suffering I wouldn't be striving for spiritual experiences, I wouldn't be using my creativity in random and varied ways and I wouldn't be listening to
The Best of Rachmaninov right now. I'd merely be enduring and regretting much--the passing of time and past decisions.
Suffering is definitely part of life on Earth, but it doesn't have to define us. We could reach for beautiful moments and the beauty within us daily. Even being kind to a stranger (an honest and humble one) is an act of beauty, in my opinion.
Namaste. : )