Sadness and Strength

[Joseph Bronson]

Up until recently I held the belief that going through tough times made us stronger. And, in some ways, I think that is still partially true. But a new situation has occurred in my life that has had me re-thinking that philosophy.

 

If you have known me for long then you would know that I love my children more than anything in the world. As, I am sure, that all of you that are parents do as well. Don't get me wrong. I do know that there are bad parents out there. My childhood was not the best and my father was very abusive. Still, I believe that the majority of parents that I know are trying their best to raise their children right and show them that they love them.

 

Recently both of my youngest children, Jade and Dakota, have refused to see me. I can find no good cause for this behaviour. I have been left bewildered and terribly hurt by their actions. No one that has known me for any length of time can understand this behaviour either. I have loved and supported my children in every possible way.

The details are not relevant. I will only say that there has been an attempt to bring incredible sadness into my life.

 

My message to you is this:

 

When it comes to our emotional center. It is not that going through sadness makes us stronger. Rather, it is that sadness tests' our strength.

 

In my situation I have found that the strength that I have gained over the years has allowed me to maintain my center through intense adversity. I have been able to look my fears in the eye and say that I am stronger than they. My sadness has been great over the last several months but I feel as though I have conquered it through tenacity of spirit. I am a strong man but I have not always been so. In the past, lesser situations have been dealt with in not so strong a fashion. What is the difference this time? Simply put, it is the strength gained by seeking mastery in my life as opposed to mediocrity. I have led my life seeking the ideal of true inner strength. through the most positive expression of Kung Fu.

 

The day to day tests' in life do not make us stronger. They ( the tests' ) are there to see how strong our personal belief system has made us.

 

My sadness, probably the worst sadness that I have faced in my entire life. Has been subdued by my inner strength. That does not mean that the sad situation does not exist. It simply means that I will not let it control me. I will not give in to despair!

 

I am resolved to continue my journey towards mastery. I love my children and I hope that someday they will see that love.

 

If any of you see my children or are face book friends with them ( they have blocked me ) please tell them that I love them and miss them.

 

The point of telling you all of this is this.

 

Build the inner strength of who you are by living by, and ever improving, your personal philosophy.

When the tough times come along, and they will. Your inner strength will be able to handle it with positive resolve..