Our attitude toward unplanned and unpleasant experiences determines our growth.

Steve Penny, head of S4 Leadership Network in Australia, observed, “Life is full of unforeseen detours. Consequences happen which seem to completely cut across our plans. Learn to turn your detours into delights. Treat them as special excursions and learning tours. Don’t fight them or you will never learn their purpose. Enjoy the moments, and pretty soon you will be back on track again, probably wiser and stronger because of your little detour.”

Thoughts on Experience....

When the new bank president asked the old one the secret of success he said, “Making good decisions.” “How do I do that?” he asked. The old one replied, “Experience!” Puzzled, the new one asked, “How do I get experience?” The old one replied, “By making bad decisions.”
Experience is a tough teacher; it gives you the test first and the lesson later.
Experience isn’t what happens to you, as much as what you do with what happens to you.

I liked this sentiment...

De-clutter your mind by giving yourself permission to have a not-to-do list: Not to feel guilty for saying no to something that may be good, but not right for you. Not to worry about how well-adjusted your kids will be as adults. Not to hang something new in your closet without giving something away. Not to feel over-responsible for everybody else’s well-being. Not to answer the phone after a certain time each night. Not to say yes just because you’ve been invited. Not to schedule busy activities on Sundays and family days. Not to buy something just because it’s on sale. Not to think you have to make a meal requiring more than three ingredients, do laundry, clean the house, and spend quality time with your family all on the same day. Not to ruminate over your own, or other people’s mistakes. Not to compare yourself. The more you give yourself permission not to do, the more you free yourself to live a centered, abundant life.