Welcome to Triumph Times

I posted the following on my Facebook page a few days ago. It probably says better than anything why I've started this blog and hope to contribute to it on an ongoing basis:

I'm going to start a new blog on Endurance and Thriving (versus just surviving). It's going to discuss subjects like faith and expectation, progress over perfection, commitment, building resiliency, etc., etc. I plan to highlight books like Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell, and Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl, etc. We'll discuss various speakers, movies, historical figures and the like, not to mention movies like 17 Miracles, Invictus, Fireproof, and more.

For years people have wondered about and even shaken their head at my knack for seeing the silver lining on every cloud--my ability for being "resilient," if you will. I think I was born with it, to a large degree, but I've also learned a lot from a lot of different people about how to make it a part of me and work better in my life.

I really want to WRITE ... so this is partly selfish, of course, but my real hope is that this blog can inspire others and help them find solace, hope and encouragement as they go through their own dose of challenges, trials and hurts.

No matter your faith, your focus, your family background or your fears ... we can all stand to face our struggles with a few extra strengths and tools in our bag. Hopefully this blog can help and we can share, discuss and debate in good spirit and, in the process, all grow a little more resilient along the way (this will be more of a forum and a discussion group, ideally, than just a monologue from me; I really want your input)! Please take a sec to comment or hit Like if you think you'd take the time to follow such a blog.

Personally, I think we quit or give up too quickly too often. Even with as optimistic as I am, I've done the same thing in my life at times. With very few exceptions (serious abuse and the like), I personally think Winston Churchill had the right idea: "Never, never, never give up." It is in the stretching and the hard times that we truly grow and BECOME. Keep watching. I'll post the address and the blog itself here very soon. Onward and upward. JPL

SInce I posted this a week ago, I've given a lot of thought to what I wanted to put into this blog. I’ve polled a number of people, I've received some great comments and feedback, and I even prayed about it and pondered on it awhile.... (can I say prayer without turning people off? I hope so). I really do believe that many of us are looking for answers to how to do / be / accomplish more in our lives. Whether this refers to your finances, your relationships, your aspirations or other goals, it doesn't really matter. The same principles apply, I believe, and there are countless examples of what I call "Umphers" (those who've triumphed) throughout history and even today's society. I decided that TRIUMPH was the perfect theme. 

Don't be surprised to see a few movie and book reviews, biographical sketches, historical treatises and stories from the news. I'm going to include favorite quotes, start a few forums and get input from those who want to share; I ask for your insights into what you're learning and continuing to learn that seems to make a difference. Yes, I'm an optimist ... but I didn't get there over night. And I really am still not where I want to be. 

Most of all, I personally want to keep learning and growing in this vein. I can't imagine a reason why anyone wouldn't feel the same. So ... whether you're an optimist, a realist or even a pessimist, I look forward to sharing and learning together. Welcome to "The Times...." It's not The New York Times or the LA Times but, give it some time. You never know what's possible...? ;0) A massive oak grows out of a tiny acorn, right? Strap on your seat belts. There are few things I enjoy more than writing and helping others (being with my kids is one thing). Don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to the ride.