virgin islands scene

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.
-- Ernest Hemingway
 

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Stepping up to the challenge

Reality is not always pretty. Truth is not always nice.

Yet surely and eventually, reality wins and truth makes itself known. So it’s crucial to acknowledge, respect, and accommodate them.

What’s even better is to work within the framework of truth and reality to get good things done. Although the real world can often be harsh and difficult, it is also filled with magnificent opportunities.

Though it can be easy in the moment to ignore the reality of a particular situation, that’s not a sustainable behavior. As convenient as it is to fudge the truth, there’s no escaping its eventual consequences.

Rather than averting your eyes, look directly at what’s true. Then challenge yourself to forge a positive and fulfilling way forward within the boundaries of that truth.

The world of reality can be a challenging place to live. And stepping up to that challenge is precisely what has filled countless lives with meaning and richness throughout history.

— Ralph Marston

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