Words, wisdom and occasional cynicism from Tylee Leighton

Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say, ‘I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.’

Ann Landers
US advice columnist (1918 – 2002)

Growing up Ann Landers was always part of our family’s daily ritual, as was Dear Abby. I like this quote from Ann Landers because it seems pertinent in this current economy. No matter what is happening in the real estate market, the job market, the stock market…oh heck – any market – the reality is that it is irrelevant to our inner happiness and inner joy. We still wake up every day, we still do the things we have to do, we raise our families, we go to our jobs and in the future this recession will be a memory much as the depression was a memory for my grandparents. Something they told stories of, the challenges that were presented to them, the struggles, the laughter and joy found in the midst of it all, and inevitably the lessons learned from the experience.

Every struggle, every trouble we face as individuals or as a collective group bring lessons. I think we as Americans are learning that it is not our homes or cars that define who we are and what our worth is, but so much more. We are defined by our resolve, our ability to withstand the storm and the depth of our character. Things are just things, trouble is just a momentary hurdle, and in our hearts we know that America and its people will always come out the other side a little stronger, a little wiser and willing to share the lesson with the next generation – whether or not they will listen remains to be seen.