If it is true that strength is the child of effort and pain, then most of us will have the opportunity to learn strength. . . . Effort is standing up to the storm. Pain comes from enduring the worst the storm can throw at us. But then so does strength.

Bravery is a requisite virtue because life demands it.

Success is rarely the result of one swell swoop, but more often the culmination of many, many small victories.

... Our ability to reason has not given us special status, only a greater responsibility.

When our spirit tells us it is time to weep, we should weep. It is part of the ritual, if you will, of putting sadness in perspective and gaining control of the situation. . . . Grief has a purpose. Grieving does not mean you are weak It is the first step toward regaining balance and strength. Grieving is part of the tempering process.

What you are comes from the blood of those who set you on this journey. That is likewise unchangeable. What you see in the reflecting pool of truth is who you are. You cannot change that, so it is wise not to curse it. The wiser choice is to embrace it and make it your strength.

When a storm blows, you must stand firm. For it is not trying to knock you down, it is really trying to teach you to be strong.