What seems like misfortune can be an opportunity.

"What seems like misfortune can be an opportunity. Wherever we find ourselves, we are in the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light. Complaining does not help. Whining does not produce anything of benefit. When faced with trouble, the way to rouse one's courage is to think positively. If one sets a positive goal -- to learn something new, to regain one's health, to live a richer life -- courage, hope and wisdom will well forth to meet the challenge."

Guidance Today -- Volumn Three by Daisaku Ikeda

Attitude

I like this quote, it is clever. We, humankind is easily be influenced by variety of difficulties, circumstances, or our mind may be swayed by what other people say or think.

One of my favorite Argentine poets, the great educator Almafuerte (1854-1917) wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are an opportunity to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve. Our heart is what matters most.

A profound word for today from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-68), the American civil rights champion, said: 'Cowardice is a submissive surrender to circumstance.' In other words, we shouldn't be ruled by fear was his message. 'Courage,' he declared, 'is an inner resolution to go forward in spite of obstacles and frightening situations."

Monday, February 16th, 2009 ---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Monday, February 16th, 2009
---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I'll never forget my dialogue with the eminent American economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006). Dr. Galbraith took great pride in his contribution to the speedy inception of the New Deal under U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), at the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s. In his first inaugural address, Roosevelt said: "There are many ways in which it [the pressing task at hand] can be helped, but it can never be helped merely by talking about it. We must act, and act quickly." Swift action is always critical."

I made this invitation for the Youth Meeting last Saturday with the title "Personality shines with Continuous Efforts" ^.^
//....//
Interviewer: Can we say then that without effort it is impossible to be oneself?
Ikeda said "Without training oneself, it is indeed impossible. Only when one trains oneself will one's personality shine. It is like forging a sword with the heat of a flame. Individual personality is one's "unique weapon" with which one can open up one's life. It is a priceless "sword".

Those who have trained their personality through their efforts are beautiful. Everyone admires their attractive personalities. More than anything else, their hearts are serene like the skies of summer highlands.
//...//