Life really can be brutal. And yeah.. It's who we are and who and how we choose to be particularly in the face of the brutal... That makes the biggest difference. It seems to me that those are the moments in life when we have the greatest opportunities to grow and become more powerful. For me I've learned that "finding joy in the little things," is extremely profound. I mean really all of the littlest tiniest things. I've made a point of making what I call a treasure chest of little things. So I magnify the bitiest moments of pleasure or observed beauty... Really like an iridescent dust motes, isn't that a miracle? And in the darkest, most hideous and brutal moments then I might catch sight of how an insect wing caught in a cobweb sparkles... And look closer and see the intricate veining... And where is that misery? Where did it go? It's a good habit for me, it serves me well. Everything is transitory... I especially love what you wrote about failure. This is something I'm trying to give to my students...I think it's working too... Have fun at failure because it's the best way to learn. They're learning a second language and by immersion plus classes. They also all want to be part of the community... Not just speak enough to get by, which makes me very happy... And so, we're teaching them to go and speak horribly with strangers. Tell them you're learning, (they'll know haha) ask them for patience. And then half the world becomes your teachers and your tutors. And the people around you will feel good and happy also, respected, because you are joining with effort to understand them and be understood. It really is a greatness, to risk seeming foolish. And it's a greatness that can make us greater! Have a beautiful day, friend.