"What a bunch of bull," you may be saying to yourself, or "Well, I must be an incredibly wise person right now, because I have never before faced such a steep hill to climb in my life." These have been tough economic times for many people (it's called a catastrophe IF YOUR OX HAS BEEN GORED). How about this English Proverb:

Or try this one from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

"FRACTURES WELL CURED MAKE US MORE STRONG."

Still not hacking it, huh? Here is the rub - these sayings may cut it if you are in a secure financial position or enjoying a brief period of philosophical bliss, but their efficacy may be a stretch if you are out of work, hate your job, or are facing a life threatening disease. The irony is that the very act of believing affirmations such as these will hasten their reality in your life. "Easy for you to say," you think, and you are right. But I have also faced these issues, among others, so stay with me here and don’t change the channel yet:

"THERE IS NO EDUCATION LIKE ADVERSITY."
~ Benjamin Disraeli

You probably agree with this, but figure that at your age, you are ready to graduate. "Enough already, you say!" Yep I heard you, but our practical education should never end. So let me make a practical suggestion: Keep a journal, no matter how basic, so when you emerge from your personal "Tsunami," you can recall with accuracy what was going on in your life when you faced tough times and what you did to overcome them. What does it matter? It matters because we are then better equipped to help others, which paradoxically will nurture us as well.

"SWEET ARE THE USES OF ADVERSITY; WHICH, LIKE THE TOAD, UGLY AND VENOMOUS, WEARS YET A PRECIOUS JEWEL IN HIS HEAD."
~ Shakespeare

And Horace quipped:

"ADVERSITY REVEALS GENIUS, PROSPERITY CONCEALS IT."

But I'm sure no genius and you may not be either, so what about us "normal folk?" Washington Irving spoke to the wonder of OUR uniqueness, saying:

"NOTHING IS PREDESTINED: THE OBSTACLES OF YOUR PAST CAN BECOME THE GATEWAYS THAT LEAD TO NEW BEGINNINGS."
~ Ralph Blum

If you are "hurting" right now, whether work related or a personal issue (they often work in tandem), Longfellow was speaking to you when he observed that:

"THE RAYS OF HAPINESS, LIKE THOSE OF LIGHT, ARE COLORLESS WHEN UNBROKEN."

That may seem a little obtuse at first, but it has everything to do with the richness of overcoming life's challenges. What good are platitudes when you see vultures circling, right? You are looking for answers that include boring stuff like health insurance, paying the utility bills, or holding on to your home. As the saying goes:

"IT’S HARD TO THINK ABOUT DRAINING THE SWAMP WHEN YOU’VE GOT ALLIGATORS CHOMPING AT YOUR ASS."
~ Twyman's version of an old Southern excuse for a Lack of Strategy

It is unfortunately all too human to get MIRED DOWN in our PAST LIVES, riveted on what was or what wasn't, ignoring that which is most important of all - THE PRESENT!

It is our choice to:

"LOOK UP AND NOT DOWN; LOOK FORWARD AND NOT BACK; LOOK OUT AND NOT IN; AND LEND A HAND."
~ E.E. Hale

And I want to lend you a helping hand when you need one with a free personal gift. Click here to view the video addendum for more on this newsletter topic and Twyman's all new "Tent of Wisdom" to place on your desk, to reflect on (as needed) and to share with others. If you like it, I will be glad to send it to you, free of charge!

Available now, at no cost to you, Twyman's two-side printed, "Tent of Wisdom". A must have for your desk! One side reflects on "A Time for Everything" (from Ecclesiastes) and opposite is the Buddhist composition "Universal Prayer." Click here to get yours while they last. The gift and shipping is free! (Please select the topic "Tent of Wisdom")

Click here to view the video addendum for more on this newsletter topic!