Hi Julie!

> This has been one of my mantras in my life.
> One time I was talking to a new friend,
> sharing with her my life and she looked at
> me incredulously and said, "You have
> had a lot of really tough stuff happen to
> you!" and I thought, "I
> have?!"

> It had never occurred to me, except to be
> thankful for it!

Julie, I completely agree!

I think life would be boring without challenges....

Okay, well maybe I'd find ways to amuse myself. :) But it would be "boringer"...! :)

I think this is how we grow....

Julie, you are a very mentally-strong woman, and an incredible inspiration to many of us.... :)

What you talk about is also how I view approaches to business ventures (or any other activity involving risk)....

I first think of what I could lose if it doesn't work. If it's not too bad, then I go ahead.

If it works, FANTASTIC!

But if it doesn't, then I win too.... I win from experience, and it's experience I can then build on....

And I also win from "building my character".... :)

As long as the financial down-side isn't too much, I figure that I win either way -- as long as I get out there and DO something!

Thank you Julie for sharing your stories about having a car to drive, and about the story of your name....

We could all learn from the attitude you had when you didn't get a car. Julie, you are someone who I believe will ALWAYS shine through.... We can all learn from your inspirational stories.... :)

Thank-you for sharing your experiences here, Julie.... I'm always thrilled to read what you have to say.... :)

Thanks! :)

Dien