Oh Ryan, I too loved Marcus Aurelius, yet never metabolized his wisdom until years later! My take is this — if everyday were beautiful we would become immune to recognizing beauty. The bumps in the road are ‘growth bumps’ that nudge us on to do better. Not everyone does this, either: some people give up when challenged.

Out of work, four children to support, first time on unemployment and it was about to run out, I went to an Employment Agency. The next day she yelled at me because the business had not responded to my interview, and sent me to a lesser job. I walked out just in time to see a parade coming. A bit discouraged, I stopped to watch while pondering my next move.

Someone from behind tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and saw a well groomed businessman holding his business card in is hand. He owned a Modeling Agency and wanted to hire me as a leg model! (WHAT?).

That afternoon, the brokerage firm called the Agency and wanted to hire me, too!

Never, NEVER give up! When one door closes a window, at least, will open!