It's when we most want to turn around that we must keep going.

When all we see is darkness, that we must have faith in the light,

it's when we feel most vulnerable, that we must become unshakable.

See, there's a misconception that strength implies a total absence of weakness or doubt,

that courage means never feeling fear or uncertainty. When in reality, these things are human.

They've been wired into us. As Ernest Becker has said, we are simultaneously worms and gods.

Worms in that, sure, we're animals, flesh and bone unable to avoid death or misfortune or tragedy in life.

But most importantly, gods, in that we have the divine ability to transcend these inevitable circumstances,

to find hope in the seemingly hopeless, to see opportunity in life's obstacles and growth when

we fall, to take the meaningless and give it meaning.

And one of the most important things I've learned is that when life knocks me down,

pushes me to my limits, it's not some indication that I walked the wrong path, it's no referendum on who I am. No, it's a hand-extended offering the chance for me to be more than I've ever been.

And in a world of delusion and distraction, it's a reminder that we have the capacity to turn life's hardship into a better tomorrow.

The difference between facts or fiction, possible or impossible success or failure,

is the decision to get up when life knocks us down.

This world, it's not easy.

It tests us, challenges us.

It makes us think we are but a cog in the wheel of life.

It can be tough.

But your weapon, your strength is knowing that you are tougher.

And look, I know that adversity hurts, but I also know that you're capable.

You are strong enough to turn that struggle into something meaningful.

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