All decisions we’ve come to accept as right or wrong are ingrained in us from the society in which we abide. Rights and wrongs are not universally known or transferable.

The truth is, living in any society is difficult. Those who become desperate with a fractured sense of security are much more prone to being taken advantaged of.

Let your strength from the pastprovide proof of your abilities to . . .conquer the difficulties of the present.

Was I a fool to believe in fate or in some destined illusionary path? I don't know. But we all need something to believe in.

So I resort back to such ideology: we all have a calling. We all have an ultimate purpose. On that is laid before us by destiny or one that is positioned in the crosshairs of our long-term goals.

Creativity and passion dwindle when hungry. Premiums for talent are easier to demand when desperation isn’t part of the equation. If I’m established, I can demand $350 an hour. If I’m desperate, I may accept $5.

Don’t forget:Ruts aren’t that much different . . .from graves.

My first bit of advice is to not personalize a job loss. The cause for the dismissal was a business calculation. This is difficult for many to grasp; it’s difficult to accept that events just occur. Come to see this as an experience. Obviously not the most pleasant experience, but it is one that you’ll overcome.

I've never felt that the American Dream was owed to me. I never felt that I was entitled to this Dream. This is why I laid the cobblestone before me for this Dream to be achieved.

Life is about finding . . .what works best for you.

Life isn’t fair. It doesn’t make sense. This unfairness is felt by everyone, from the Las Vegas tunnel dweller all the way to the executive in the high-rise. To some, these “unfair” experiences become a chastening ball and chain attached for the remainder of life.

Don’t allow past experiences to be forgotten.Hold them close.

When the noise is gone, and the air is still . . .prepare for survival.

The ordeals of others . . .prepare us, andlater become the compass . . .in our time of ordeal.

Electricity, shelter, and a safe place to sleep . . .trump the need to preserve your credit score, orpurchase a new gizmo.

Preparation:allows you to prevent . . .the intensity of the ordeal.

You’ve had many ordeals in the past. During these ordeals, life seemed unbearable. You may have collapsed from the exhaustion of hopelessness and curled into a fetal position. Regardless of how difficult this new ordeal may be, as with the others, this too will be overcome. It will make you stronger.

The pain and shame felt are unknown to those with planned vacations. They know not of the tsunami that rescinded the homes, goals, and hopes of its victims—swallowed by the sea of greed.

And to fight this beast of wrong is what I intend to do. To do otherwise is to sidestp this rabid injustice.