One can write the stories of one’s life two ways: turn the script into a tragedy or into a comedy. There are some limitations to that of course: death, serious illness or injury are hard to turn into a comedy. At least at the initial shock. I will never forget the book by Paul Brickhill Reach For the Sky. It is a story about a RAF pilot, who lost both of his legs, but made it back to flying a plane. The novel is full of comic remarks and never does the pilot Douglas Bader feel sorry for himself. When I start feeling sorry for myself, I often remember this book and it always has a good effect on...

This blog was inspired by words of Horace, the Roman poet, written nearly 2,000 years ago. These lines are from his Odes (ii,10): In sadness hope, in gladness fear, ‘Gainst coming change will fortify Your breast. The storm that Jupiter Sweeps o’er the sky He chases. Why should rain today Bring rain tomorrow? Be brave in trouble; meet distress With dauntless front; but when the gale Too prosperous blows, be wise no less, And shorten sail. You can read the whole Ode here. Each situation can happen in different ways. It can turn out this way, the other way or a third, rather unexpected way....