Once there was a farmer who owned an old mule.  One day the mule fell into the farmer's well and the farmer heard the mule "praying" or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule or the well was worth the trouble of saving.  Instead he called all his neighbors and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.  Initially, the old mule was hysterical, but as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him.  It dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE COULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!  This he did, blow after blow, "Shake it off and step up ... shake it off and step up!" He repeated this to encourage himself.  No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on "shaking it off and stepping up!" It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, finally STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would only bury him actually helped him ... all because of the manner in which he handled adversity. THAT'S LIFE!  If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity ... the adversities that come along to bury us, usually have within them the very real potential to benefit us! Never be afraid to try something new. [ Every cloud has a silver lining. ] [ Look for the positive in every negative. ]

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