virgin islands scene

Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.
-- J. Willard Marriott
 

 

Wednesday, April 17, 2002

Laughing at trouble

When you suffer a setback, find a way to be joyful, not because of what has happened, but because it’s your most powerful response. Seek to laugh at your troubles, not because they are funny or trivial, but as an effective way of taking positive control.

It’s easy to be happy when things are going great. The real power of happiness, however, comes in times of difficulty. A dismal, dejected attitude will only hold you back. A positive, joyful approach can move you quickly ahead.

Sure it’s tough to be positive when there’s no reason to be. It’s difficult, and yet it is possible. Accept for a moment that it is possible, and that it is beneficial. Then ask yourself if you would like to reap that benefit.

Find your joy not in mere circumstances, but rather with that part of you which transcends the circumstances. Live that joy with vigor and sincerity, and you’ll begin to see how even the most difficult of situations can be turned in your favor.

Seek to truly lift up life and make it impossible for life to get you down.

— Ralph Marston

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Copyright ©2002 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.