What sets a positive thinker -- an optimist -- apart from regular people is that he or she sees an opportunity in every difficult situation . For instances, a person who has just lost his job may try to capitalize on the downtime by boning up on his computer skills or trying to get his own business off the ground. A student who's just failed an exam may sign up for after-school tutoring, forging strong relationships with her teacher and fellow peers that may last beyond grade school. A troublesome car that's always breaking down may prompt someone to finally start saving up for a newer, more reliable vehicle. A person who's afraid of flying is tasked with meeting with the vice president in another country. While terrifying, it affords him the opportunity to finally conquer his fear, making future flights a lot easier to swallow. What's the common thread across all these examples? That a good situation can come out of a bad one so long as a person doesn't...

Over the last few days, several of you have shared inspirational stories about rebounding from potentially life-shattering circumstances to become not only a much stronger person, but a shining role model to your family and friends. I selected today's quotes with you in mind. "A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties." - Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), 33rd President of the United States "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." - Henry Ford (1863-1947), American industrialist and founder of Ford Motor Company You certainly embody Truman's definition of an optimist, and you've demonstrated a relentless poise to overcome hardship -- an airplane that has made it through the worst kind of turbulence. Just know that I -- along with other fellow posters on this board -- are here to help yo...