the things that matter

"The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we may become." ~Charles Dubois

This challenge, though not easy, has always been my greatest hope...that regardless of what life brings my way...that I would be able to face it and continually grow or become more than what I was. I really think that this is the only way to make it through the hard times. We cannot control the cards that life deals us, but we can learn to play the game to win. That is the challenge- and we can never shrink from that challenge...when we do- we lose. When we succumb to the hardships and blows that come unannounced, we allow ourselves to fold.

The past week, I found myself, again, dealing with some "unfortunate" situations...some things that hurt me...some things that made me feel powerless. I was talking to my best friend, who has listened to every one of these calls, and I started to say that I just wanted to be happy. I stopped mid-sentence because I realized that I absolutely am happy. I am happy, strong, and so thankful for this place in my life. I have made it through so many bad hands and yet, I am still playing this game...I am learning daily how to face new challenges. I am no longer a victim of circumstances, but when faced with hard times, I am beginning to take them with stride and understand that I will, no doubt, make it through.