I have quit smoking, drinking and drugs back in '90 when I became a parent. I felt this would become the platform in showing a child who I was by becoming a living, breathing example for him. I raised him with chores to do as he had witnessed in myself. He did the dishes, cooked dinner, took out the garbage, helped us carry groceries in, mowed and weeded the yards, fixed plumbing, cleaned house including the bathroom as I did. In my mind it was not just a woman's job. She too had an exemplary career. It was in this 32 year committed relationship that I actually grew up. Putting aside my selfish partying days to transcend into a responsible, caring adult. It came naturally. Today I party, tomorrow I don't. It was that simple. Dealing with life's challenges has become routine. Understanding where one's priorities lie is more challenging. We don't want to let go of something we have enjoyed. When taking on one challenge after another, you become stronger as one does through weight lifting.

You now are less afraid of challenges and just dare them to come your way. I hate compromise. I won't cut off one arm to save the other. I like both of them. Two are always more useful. I want to have my cake and eat it whenever possible. I figure if I don't deserve it, who does? A nation and it's people will never reach it's goal of greatness until the individuals themselves achieve this in their own lives. When the 1% grows to 2%, 3%. And the 99% diminishes to 98%, 97%. Take on your own demons. Take them down hard. You will become stronger in mind, spirit and integrity. You will know when it happens.