No Matter What

[jango]

You can do whatever you decide to do. You can accomplish whatever you commit to accomplishing. It pays to keep reminding yourself of that, day after day. Because circumstances will often leave you discouraged. Because things often fail to go your way.  And yet, with each disappointment you gain new strength. It may not seem so great at the time. Life can certainly be painful. Even when it is, though, your possibilities are still with you. With each setback your determination grows stronger. And you learn. Today you will learn some new lesson about what works for you and what doesn't. Tomorrow you'll have the opportunity to apply that newfound knowledge.

Stop for a moment and consider what an incredible opportunity that really is. No matter what life may throw at you, you can use it to move toward whatever you've decided to accomplish.

So by all means decide on something clear and specific, something that's meaningful to you, something that's wonderful and joyful, exciting and fulfilling. You can get there, no matter what.

[jango]

In every life there is some sadness. The loss of a loved one, the disappointment of a shattered dream. Things don't always go the way we want.

Sadness hurts. It is difficult. And ultimately, it is good. Because sadness can come only when you care. As painful as it is, consider the alternative. What if you did not even care? Paradoxically, the absence of pain is the ultimate pain.

We must learn to experience and appreciate our sadness, without being overwhelmed by it. And the first step is to admit it and feel it for what it is. It is a powerful form of caring. About ourselves, about others, about truth, about love, about life. Sadness shows us how very much we care, and defines for us the truly important things in life.

Even in the pain of sadness, there is meaning and hope. Out of sadness, comes a deeper sense of appreciation. The sunshine is more precious after a week of rainy days. In sadness is the strength to go forward and the opportunity to triumph over every obstacle.