Only the most saintly and delusional among us welcomes all pain as challenge, perceives all loss as harsh blessing.

We can live as we were meant to live - simply, joyously, of and on the earth. We can live with all our effort and with pure happiness.

Every single one of us possesses the strength to attempt something he isn't sure he can accomplish. It can be running a mile, or a 10K race, or 100 miles. It can be changing a career, losing 5 pounds, or telling someone you love her (or him).

Fear is what makes you come alive, the lure of the unknown - can I do this? - thats where the growth comes from, the pain. I dont remember the running effortlessly; I remember the hard times; adversity breathes transformation.

Train at your current fitness level, or slightly above — not where you want to be.

You can hurt more than you ever thought possible, then continue until you discover that hurting isn't that big a deal.

Only the most saintly and delusional among us welcomes all pain as challenge, perceives all loss as harsh blessing.