Life is like a prickly and difficult old woman sometimes. She sends the lesson after the test. She tests us when we feel least able to tolerate her pedantic and frustrating ways. She smugly stands back and watches us flail and flounder, while we rant and ask, what’s the meaning of it all? and why is all this happening to me?? Perhaps like yourself, I’ve had my share of challenges. I had a very difficult first marriage which gave me a lot of life lessons. I went to University to understand life and human behaviour better. I graduated from University (diploma of applied science, degree in social science) and flew into a career, where I could prove myself and succeed. I succeeded alright, but at a cost to myself, my health, my happiness and my relationships. It all came crushing down on me after fifteen years of working. I was successful in the eyes of society, but I’d failed miserably to create the success I needed. I went on a sabbatical. I quit work. I messed around in my beautiful home, rebuilt relationships and planted a garden. I’d found happiness. Now here’s my point. University hadn’t given me the insights I needed. Religion didn’t give me insight either (although prayer continues to be a daily ritual and strength). I poured over books from the library and I learnt of ‘other people’s truths‘. Some of those truths helped; some didn‘t. Even my amazing and insightful friends couldn’t give me the answers I needed. Why? Because the answers were already within me. I am the answer. Most especially, I found a powerful personal development package that taught me to slow down, focus, relax and breathe deeply. In that peaceful, serene place I found my own truths. They are enduring and powerful, but they are mine. You will need to find your own. You can’t buy your truths ‘off the rack’. My truth is a little bit different from yours. The strategies I used did not involve drugs, alcohol, religion, cults, violence or illegal acts. I didn’t have to dress oddly, or act strangely or beg for money on the streets! They are time tested; we’ve known of them for thousands of years. They’re not ‘flaky’ or new age, they’re not going to harm you or anyone else in any way. Do you want to be happy? Do you want to be successful? Do you want to thrive in this life, or ‘just get by‘? The answer is within you. Are you ready to find it?