A woman was shopping when an adorable little statue caught her eye. Itwas fun, and she had to have it! Once at home, she examined the purchase moreclosely and realized it was a metaphor for her life. She had bought a “Woo” doll,and the attached tag read:

“The Woo is a benevolent force

reappearing to remind us that a POSITIVE attitudeis essential

and that anything IS possible. Make it happen”

In the game of life, this woman had been dealt cards from both sidesof the deck. Today, she leads a fulfilling life overflowing with friends andfamily. She has a rewarding career and enough leisure time to enjoy herself.However, she has suffered many losses as well, for her husband and two sonspassed away within a relatively short time of each other. Each time, shepondered how she would come to accept such unbearable sorrow. Often, she alsoquestioned if her well of strength would ever run dry.

The truth is, inside each of us is a never-ending supply of Spirit thatallows recovery from despair. Here’s the catch -- you have to make a consciousdecision to discover and utilize your own restorative powers. Additionally,make sure to afford yourself the time to move forward -- rather than remainingstuck in the mire of grief and loss.

At first, anger will move you through the cloud of distress – youranger at the loved one who has passed on; your anger at the world; and youranger at yourself for not being mentally prepared for the loss of life as youknew it. Anger propels you forward with a purpose, which allows you to dealwith the business of life in order to forge a new normalcy for yourself andyour remaining family members.

Eventually, you must resolve that anger and come to accept your newlife. This new life is not better or worse – just different. You must begin tolet laughter and light break through your cloud of doom. And in so doing, thewonders of the world are illuminated once again. This time, however, you areinfinitely more aware of the preciousness of each moment.

Having a positive attitude like the “Woo doll” does not mean you arefull of light and sunshine all of the time. Instead, despite the woefulsituation in which you may find yourself, it is always possible to see a lightat the end of the proverbial tunnel. Tunneling your way through hard times --not around them or over them -- is what really builds your spiritual muscle.It’s also what ultimately keeps the smile on your face and the flicker of lightin your heart!