It's not having been in the dark house, but having left it that counts. Roosevelt

Good morning!  I was trying to explain the CYLC and Challenge Life philosophy to someone the other day. One thing I always want to avoid is people thinking I have a Pollyanna attitude or that I believe positive thinking can solve every problem and life will never be painful. Like everyone who reads this, I have had my share of very dark and painful times. And because life is a mixture of sun and rain, I will undoubtedly have more difficult times.

I do believe that we have the power to choose at every turn. When this quote came through I fell in love with it. It summarized what I believe about the "dark periods." They will undoubtedly come. There will be days when the pain is so great we can't challenge life. I think of all the people I know who have lost loved ones or live with difficult health conditions. These can be dark times where we cannot find the strength to turn on the light.

However, I believe as this quote states, we can't avoid the dark times, but we can avoid making those dark periods a home where we take up residence. As we challenge life and dark periods come, let us remember not to stay there too long. Let us always keep our eye on the door so that we can find our way out in due time.

Your Turn:
Are you going through a dark period now where you have taken up "residence" and lost sight of the door? If you have been there too long, put on your walking shoes. Find a support network or join the e-group, and walk outside where the light is.

Your affirmation:
Life has its up and downs, but I don't have to stay "down."

Challenge Life!

Brook Noel